In 2020 The Hind Foundation awarded $1,800,000. to the Carmel Mission Foundation for the Carmel Mission’s Downie Museum & Basilica Forecourt restoration project. This will seismically strengthen, restore, and preserve a 100-year-old adobe museum and main courtyard entrance of the Carmel Mission.
This will increase the museum interior exhibit space, establish a new visitor welcome center, and provide ADA access to every aspect of the Downie Museum, Basilica forecourt and gardens. The 250th anniversary of Carmel Mission is in the fall of 2021.
The Carmel Mission is one of California’s most important historic sites featuring:
St. Junipero Serra and the Mission Basilica Shrine
The final resting place of Saint Junipero Serra, Founding Father of California
The Caravaca Cross The personal reliquary cross of Saint Junípero Serra, and one of the most important artifacts of California and Colonial Missionary History.
Our Lady of Bethlehem Statue
The oldest European styled statue of Our Lady brought to Carmel by Saint Junípero Serra.
The First Library of California
A treasure trove collection of colonial-era books brought to Carmel by the Franciscan Missionaries.
Founded 1771 by St. Junipero Serra