Mission San Miguel Courtyard, Painting by Anthony Quartuccio

Mission San Miguel Arcangel was founded on July 25, 1797 by Father Fermin Lasuen, Presidente of the California Missions Chain. Named for Saint Michael the Arcangel, it was the 16th mission founded in the 21 mission chain in Alta California.

Mission San Miguel's appearance is much the same as it was when founded. The inside of the mission has never been repainted. The pictures and the colors you see are the originals that were created and painted by Indian artesans under the direction of Esteban Munras. Today it is still a parish church.

Mission San Miguel, listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1971, in 2006 was designated a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service, Us Department of the Interior. That same year, the National Trust for Historic Prservation named Mission San Miguel as one of “ America's Eleven Most Dangered Places”

The Earthquake of December 22nd, 2003 caused extensive damage to the old Mission Church, closing much of the the Mission to the public.

Steady progress is being made in the restoration effort to re-open the Mission. After several million dollars of earthquake repair and retrofitting, Phases One and Two, of the restoration of the Mission are completed and the historic old Mission Convento, Gift Shop and Courtyard are now reopened to the public.

On December 22nd, 2006 at 11:15:56 – the same day and time of the of the earthquake three years ago, the Mission Museum, housed in the Old Convento, reopened and once again welcomes visitors.

Phase One and Two were both a major learning experience as well as a restoration effort. New techniques were developed to repair the damage while at the same time preserving the original character of the Mission. In many ways Mission San Miguel will serve as a model for the remaining Missions as they begin their own restoration efforts.

Before you plan a visit, we suggest that you contact the Parish office at (805) 467-2131 for the latest information.

The Mission San Miguel Preservation Fund

After the 2003 earthquake, the entire Mission Complex was closed to the public. A program to preserve and reopen the old Church is underway. "Friends of Mission San Miguel," a California non-profit, tax-exempt (501.3c) corporation, has been established to raise funds for this specific purpose.

Friends of Mission San Miguel
P.O. Box 69
San Miguel CA 93451-0069

Enough money has been raised to reopen once again to the public, the Gift Shop, Mission Museum and Courtyard. Landscaping of the Courtyard is being restored to its original plantings and the staff has moved back into their offices and community room in the old convento wing.

But there is still much to do restore this National Landmark Building.
Your donations will help us to restore the entire Mission.

On this page look for more information about the program, and how you can get involved and help save this beautiful old historic building.

Click here to learn more.