Museum of Redlands to Open on October 24
The new 14,000-square-foot facility will offer free admission to the public in Redlands.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Philanthropy
Live Poll
Do you believe local history museums are a valuable investment for your community?
The Museum of Redlands is set to open to the public on October 24, 2026. Housed in the former building of The Facts newspaper, the museum provides free access to local historical exhibits.
Why it matters
The project serves to preserve and display the city's unique local history for residents. Donors contributed $32 million to ensure the construction and ongoing mission of the museum.
Donors successfully raised $32 million for the project. The finished museum building spans 14,000 square feet.
The players
Redlands Historical Museum Association
This organization led the fundraising efforts to construct the new museum facility.
A.K. Smiley Library
This institution operates the museum through its special collections department.
The details
Operated by the A.K. Smiley Library special collections department, the museum utilizes interactive screens, historic objects, and digitized payroll records. Exhibits focus on themes such as citrus history, local neighborhoods, and the city's Chinatown.
Timeline
October 24, 2026: Museum of Redlands public opening
Market Landscape
The opening of the Museum of Redlands follows a wave of regional cultural investments that includes the Museum of Riverside renovation. This project strengthens the area's footprint in preserving local heritage against other regional institutions.
Residents can visit the new museum without paying for admission. The central location provides the community with a new resource for exploring local history and neighborhood archives.
The takeaway
This project transforms a historic newspaper building into a community hub for historical education. Visitors can engage with digitized records and physical artifacts to better understand the evolution of the city.
What happens next
The Museum of Riverside renovation is currently scheduled for completion in 2028.
Further reading
Learn more about local giving initiatives in the Philanthropy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Redlands Daily Facts.
Live Poll
Do you believe local history museums are a valuable investment for your community?
