San Fernando Mission and Museums

Guest room at San Fernando MissionIn the Covento Museum of the San Fernando Rey de Espana Mission in northern Los Angeles you can see the guest quarters for ordinary visitors to the Mission in the early 1800s.

One important function of the California Mission system was to provide a place for travelers–usually Mexicans, Californios and a few Americans–to stay and eat for a day or more.  For an ordinary person the accommodations were sparse.  Dignitaries stayed in more elaborate rooms one of which is shown below.

 

Bedroom in California 1800s
Among the gifts to the museum were pieces of furniture which have been assembled in this bedroom suitable for a visiting dignitary

When the Archdiocese of Los Angeles decided to rebuild the San Fernando Mission, they solicited art and artifacts related to old California.  Some very interesting items were donated–some old, some brand new.  There is, in fact, one entire room devoted to icons of the Virgin Mary.  In the basement of the museum is an old wine making facility.

stola worn by the pope
This stola was given to Pope John Paul II when he visited the San Fernando Mission.  It was the first visit by any pope to any California Mission.

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Mexican woman sculpture San Fernando museum
A painted wood sculpture that is clearly a new creation.

Altar panel San Fernando mission museum

These four altar panels hang in the Covento museum. They, too are new.
See more of the San Fernando Mission here.
See the gardens of the San Gabriel Mission here.


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