MISSION STORE SET FOR RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY
San Juan Capistrano mayor John Taylor, Mission San Juan Capistrano Executive Director Mechelle Lawrence Adams, city and regional community leaders, Mission and Chamber directors and staff, and community business owners will be on hand to recognize the newly constructed Mission Store, which opened for business on July 13, and officially completed the acclaimed Gate House Preservation Project.
Removing the Mission gift shop from the historic Sala building and building a new Mission Store to the street at the Gate House entrance was a significant part of the Gate House Preservation Project because it allows for the Sala building to be restored and used as a museum space.
The public may enter the Mission Store from Ortega Highway to shop or Mission guests can shop as they exit the Mission. The Mission Store features and promotes a wide range of merchandise from local, national and international artisans.
Net proceeds from purchases at the Mission Store help protect the religious and historic significance of Mission San Juan Capistrano, and further educational programs, exhibits and preservation efforts. All active members receive a 10 percent discount on most merchandise.
The Mission Preservation Foundation is committed to raising funds for conservation of the Sala building, part of the Foundation’s specialized and comprehensive preservation work to ensure Mission San Juan Capistrano remains the most significant historic site in Orange County.
About Mission San Juan Capistrano:
Known as the “Jewel of the Missions,” Mission San Juan Capistrano is a historic landmark and museum that boasts of quality permanent exhibits featuring original artifacts as well as traveling and temporary exhibits on a wide variety of topics.
The site itself serves as a living outdoor museum with original buildings constructed by Native Americans in the 18th century including the Serra Chapel, Great Stone Church, and the original padres’ quarters of the South Wing.
The Mission was founded on November 1, 1776 by Padre Junipero Serra as the seventh in the chain of the twenty-one California missions established by Spain, and is Orange County’s only mission. Every year, over 50,000 students visit the Mission and engage in an inspirational learning experience via the Mission Matters programming, as part of their State required California history studies.
Mission San Juan Capistrano is owned by the Diocese of Orange and is supported by the Mission Preservation Foundation, which is comprised of business and community leaders committed to ensuring the long term preservation and viability of Orange County’s only Mission. The Mission receives no funding from either the Church or the State of California and charges admission funds as a means of providing public access.
Mission San Juan Capistrano is located at 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675. Open Daily 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Good Friday afternoon. Admission is $9 adults; $8 seniors (60 years or over); $6 children (ages 4 to 11); and children ages 3 and under are admitted free. Free audio guide with senior and adult admission. For more information, call (949) 234-1300 or visit www.missionsjc.com.
