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Known as the “Jewel of the Missions,” Mission San Juan Capistrano is a historic landmark and museum that features permanent exhibits with original artifacts as well as traveling and temporary exhibits. Orange County’s only Mission, the site is home to Serra Chapel, The Ruins of the Great Stone Church and the original padres’ quarters of the South Wing and promotes faith, education, preservation and cultural event programming. Founded on November 1, 1776, by Saint Junípero Serra as the seventh of twenty-one California missions established by Spain, Mission San Juan Capistrano is owned by the Diocese of Orange and receives no church or state funding. The Mission Preservation Foundation, comprised of business and community leaders, is its fundraising entity committed to ensuring education, preservation and its long-term historic and religious significance. Learn more.

Conveniently located halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego, close to the freeway and airport and walking distance from the train depot.


Press Releases

July 24, 2023
Mission San Juan Capistrano Announces New Student Education Program and Audio Tour

San Juan Capistrano, Calif. (July 24, 2023) – For the first time in over a decade, Mission San Juan Capistrano proudly launches a new student education program Remember the Builders: Mission San Juan Capistrano Student Education Program in conjunction with the 2023-2024 school year. The newly branded program features a new self-guided audio tour experience If These Walls Could Talk designed especially for students working on their Mission studies.

Mission San Juan Capistrano Executive Director Mechelle Lawrence Adams said, “The new name reflects our effort to focus on sharing the many facets of history and ensures that we are remembering the contributions of our indigenous builders and celebrating Saint Serra. We are always proud that our education programs continue to meet, or exceed, the State of California’s curriculum standards for learning about history, social sciences, and some science.”

The student and youth audio tour will take an estimated nine thousand students to 23 stations, each sharing details about the Mission’s 246-year history. It features the “Grandmotherly Mission Wall” that introduces listeners to indigenous builders, soldiers, padres and other historic figures.

Under development for the past year, the audio tour features professional voice artists, students, and Acjachemen resident Nathan Banda. The script was co-written by Mission San Juan’s Executive Director Mechelle Lawrence Adams and Caroline Figiel, accomplished author of numerous award-winning museum and landmark audio tours. The tour is set to a musical composition by Wreck it Ralph!  arranger, musician and vocalist Danny Jones.

While ongoing support of the Mission’s Adopt-A-Class Scholarship Program is provided by The Nicholas Endowment, additional funding is sought to provide scholarships for at least 150 students per day during the 2023-2024 school year. This funding will ensure that students and youth can experience the new audio tour and take part in the Mission Matters Adobe Brick Making class. Every student will also receive a special Remember the Builders commemorative bracelets as a memento of their visit.

The If These Walls Could Talk audio tour will be available in late August during the Mission’s regular operating hours and is recommended for students, children and families. For more information, visit www.missionsjc.com.


Archives

July 24, 2023
Mission San Juan Capistrano Announces New Student Education Program and Audio Tour

June 23, 2023
Mambo, Salsa & Theatre Under the Stars at South Coast Repertory’s Outside SCR Production of La Havana Madrid at Mission San Juan Capistrano

April 26, 2023
Mission San Juan Capistrano’s Romance of the Mission Gala to Honor Farmers & Merchants Bank and the Walker Family

February 21, 2023
Mission San Juan Capistrano Announces St. Joseph’s Day and Return of the Swallows Celebration on March 19

February 1, 2023
Mission San Juan to Offer Exclusive VIP Guided Tours

December 12, 2022
Mission San Juan Welcomes Trevor Baird and Seth Teigen as Newest Mission Preservation Foundation Board Members

November 11, 2022
Mission San Juan Capistrano’s Annual Capistrano Lights Opens December 3 with New Holiday Traditions

September 21, 2022
Mission Preservation Foundation’s Stunning Benefit Gala Raises $772K While Celebrating Honorees Joan and Bill Cvengros

June 22, 2022
Outside SCR Returns to Mission San Juan Capistrano with South Coast Repertory’s Production of Million Dollar Quartet July 30-Aug. 21

March 17, 2022
Mission San Juan Capistrano Welcomes Darren O. Aitken to the Mission Preservation Foundation Board

February 2, 2022
Mission San Juan Capistrano Return of the Swallows Celebration

October 25, 2021
Mission San Juan Capistrano Announces ‘Capistrano Lights Returns’ Holiday Festivities

September 20, 2021
Mission Celebrates its Open Doors at Benefit Gala Honoring Connie and Dr. Peter Spenuzza

August 6, 2021
‘Finding Inspiration: The Gardens at Mission San Juan Capistrano’ Honors the Late Madeline Martin Swinden and Inspires New Audio Tour

April 20, 2021
Mission San Juan Capistrano to Host Homefront America’s ‘Field of Honor®’ Flag Display During Memorial Day Weekend

March 9, 2021
Celebrate St. Joseph Day and Return of the Swallows with Mission San Juan Capistrano Virtually or In-Person

January 28, 2021
Historic California Landmark Mission San Juan Capistrano and Gardens Announces Reopening


Media Contact

For media inquiries, including a press kit, press photos or media trip requests, please contact: 
Kristin Bolda, Marketing Brand Director
kbolda@missionsjc.com
(949) 234-1313
For general photography bookings, please book here.

If you are an influencer and are interested in attending an influencer event, please contact:
Kristin Bolda, Marketing Brand Director
kbolda@missionsjc.com
(949) 234-1313

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Museum Hours

Tuesday - Sunday, 9AM - 5PM

Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Closed for Annual Gala on September 22, 2023.
Closed early Christmas Eve and Good Friday.
Hours subject to change

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26801 Old Mission Road
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
(949) 234-1300

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