Limited hours, limited parking. Hidden in the residential area of San Marino. Don't let that deter you. This was a VERY quick see of the old mill interior as it was closing before its scheduled time. There is a gallery occupying one of the rooms. There are a lot of succulents and plants that surround the building which are green and vibrant against the rustic molino viejo. read more

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The past is the way to the future. Without further ado let's begin the landmark review. El Molino Viejo aka The Old Mill (est 1816) is a two-story architectural landmark with huge grounds and tranquil gardens in the city of San Marino. It was the first ever grist mill constructed in the early 19th century California to serve Mission San Gabriel; and personally designed and supervised by Padre JM de Zalvidea. It's facility was powered by a waterwheel. Impressive!! Walking around The Old Mill you'll notice it has a fortress-like design with five ft thick brick walls surrounding the mill's 43,500+ sq ft grounds. It serve as a protection in the event of disturbances during that time. Moreover, throughout its history it was vandalized, foreclosed, sold and passed down to state/city, to prominent California families and a company. Blimey! At present time, the El Molino Viejo is a lovely museum and event space. I bet most LA locals were oblivious that this exist; who knew this historical landmark was right under my very nose. I spent 35 minutes and 30 seconds to visit and explore the entirety of the museum grounds. Street parking only. Admission is free. Hours are limited. Beverage is permitted in and around the museum. Overall, I enjoyed my visit and recommend you visit. read more

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The building itself is an architectural gem, but there was not a guided tour when we went, so I felt like we could not appreciate it as fully versus if we knew more of the history behind it. The art exhibit at that time was kind of underwhelming, but I could imagine the venue being more worth a detour if attending an event here. Entry is free and street parking was easy to find. read more

Oh what a beautiful property/venue to walk through. There's nothing like winding down your Saturday afternoon with a peek into a homely, hidden space. It is free to visit the Old Mill foundation. I think we chose the right time of year too, fall to be exact. Goldenrod colored leaves swayed in the breeze, as some fell quietly to the ground. There is a wooden gazebo, then a garden path, that leads to a courtyard next to the rustic like cottage/main office + art gallery. Once in the main office, you can view the works in the gallery and you can take the stairwell down into the basement which contains some antiquated furniture and some other items on display. The exterior of the building has mini statues situated within the plants. And there are few areas to twirl around in. I'm a fan of this little venue up the short hill. If you're in San Marino searching for something out of the norm, drive up to this cobblestoned, old-world lair. You could easily walk these grounds pretty fast, but if you find all the adorable nooks here, you could also create a fond memory or two. read more

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Hidden gem! Limited parking BUT interesting grounds to walk around plus it's free! Garden and pomegranates are pretty! read more

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Very adorable historic site . Live down the street and never actually gave it the attention it deserves. Beautiful history nestled in San Marino. Love! read more

I recently attended an engagement party of a very good friend of mine at the Old Mill. It was held in the courtyard and I thought it was a nice space to have such a gathering. It has great history, small enough to enjoy the grounds in less than an hour and I found it to be quiet & serene... I've driven through San Marino and even attended a wedding reception at the former Ritz-Carlton off Oak Knoll which is just around the corner from the Old Mill. I had no idea it was there or even existed. Parking is on the street at Old Mill Road or on the backside of the property Old Mill Lane. Check it out for a little bit of Southern California history. It's worth going to once. Staff was friendly enough. They seemed to be watching us like hawks as we enjoyed the party. Haha... No messes were made. There is a restroom on the property detached from the main Mill structure. Nice small garden but you can walk the inside perimeter and enjoy them. read more

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I live very close to the mill and decided to stop by one day for a visit. They have weird operating hours so if you work a regular 8-5 there is no change of getting in. The "tour" took 15 minutes most. It's very quiet and peaceful but nothing is going to blow your socks off. I am giving this 4 stars because it would be a wonderful place to host an outdoor event/party in the summer. However I hear that they have strict rules and there isn't much parking. Also a good place to take pictures for a special event. I will keep it in mind when my dog gets married. :) read more

A very well preserved piece of California history. Definitely worth a visit in the art inside is alone worth seeing. read more

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Small and totally hidden to most, this place packs a lot of historical punch. Just look at the facts. It was the grist mill for the San Gabriel Mission, the area's leading lady on the mission stage. But it was this mill which was the oldest commerical building in So Cal. Today, the museum has a small gallery with art for sale. And outside, it boasts a California native garden, which is very hip at the moment. Truly, this is a worthwhile stop on the mission circuit or for anyone interested in a little more Early California history. read more

Wonderful little piece of history. And thanks to YELP, I saw the miniature painting event and went there. It is low key and in a super gorgeous old building- that used to be a mill. Take a stroll into the place, looks at the showing, wander downstairs and see a tiny functioning mill incased. Wander through the courtyard gardens and take in the silence. A nice weekend thing, short and sweet. And please DONATE a few bucks to keep this going! read more

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Yes, its a historical landmark. Ya, its old. What else can I say? If you live within 10 minutes, check it out some time. It will take about 5 minutes to walk around the "museum". It is pretty interesting, but unless you are REALLY into California history, pass. Check out my photos and maybe the website and you are good. read more

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Just a note, the old mill sometimes hosts quartets by the california philharmonic during the summer months. I attended one of these events last year. It was wonderful to sit outside during a summer month and enjoy the history as well as beautiful music. They even distribute "OFF" mosquito repellent towellettes at the entrance. Evenings like that reminds me of how blessed we are-not only do we live in a fantastic country, but what beautiful weather and what wonderful talent we have. read more

Don't even know where to start with this review! My husband and I were blessed to be able to have our small wedding here in April and it could not have gone better! They gave us time to set up and break down, quite a few options as to where to actually hold the ceremony, the weather was perfect, and they were so beyond accommodating I could not believe it! Sweetest staff members who seriously made us feel welcome and at home throughout the whole experience. read more

The Old Mill Foundation - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Marino, California

This place is a pretty, small and quiet garden and also the historical museum as well. I have been here couple of times before and whenever i came i felt kinda healing. My cherished place. After the parking on the Old Mill St., i could find a cute and brick wall entrance few feet from the street. As i came in, one family were already there and the kids playing and the mom talking with the staff. Here was very quiet and lots of greens and flowers. On the right side the garden there are flower arched benches to sit and to get some fresh air. On the left side there is the two story historical museum. It is also tiny and only one staff worked there. In the basement there is historical mill and the first floor there is some art work exhibitions. Tips: If i sign the paper, they will invite me the chamber concert three times: June, July, and August. The concert ticket price is only $15 and there is no offering intermission refreshment but they sell some wine and champagne during the intermission. The concert will be at the garden. read more

This place is a beautiful little hidden gem. The Old Mill Foundation is located in the beautiful and rich neighborhood of San Marino. From the outside, the Old Mill looks small, but once you walk into the gates, it is actually a very nice place. The museum itself is quite small and also very quiet (only opened 3 hours most days of the week... I can imagine that very few people actually come here). It will take you probably 10 minutes to look at everything. But even though it's tiny, it has it's charm and something about the building structure just draws me to this place. But the real beauty is the garden... all I can say is WOW! I am highly impressed because again this place just looks like such a tiny place, you wouldn't think to find a beautiful place here. There is a nice open quad that can be rented for events (alas, weddings are prohibited, reason being why I am not having my wedding here.. but this place can be rented out for other events though) and there are many wonderful photo opportunities throughout the garden (great for engagement photos) with it's gazebos, brick steps and walls, leafy arch ways and vegetation. During the summer, there is a special Cal Phil concert and I would love to come and check it out this year. Overall, beautiful place (oh and in case you were wondering, there are 2 clean restrooms inside the museum and 1 in the garden area) to come and discover a hidden gem in your local area. But parking here is limited, but it is doubtful that there would be that many people coming to visit here the same time you come (unless you check out the Cal Phil concert this summer like we are going to). This place is worth a visit, so come check it out. read more

El Molino Viejo, the Old (I sound way better in Spanish) Mill, cute, small, hidden, old you. It could be more but it isn't. Completed in 1816 as a grist mill, it is now the oldest commercial building in Southern California. Sitting amongst lovely terraced gardens with five foot thick earth walls and a few simple exhibits, the mill beckons you to fall back nearly 200 years. I like you, Old Mill, I really do. But, the reason I LOVE you, Miss. Mill, is also the reason this post has been gathering dusts as a draft for six months or so. What I really really love are the summer Cal Phil at the Mill concerts. Concerts are limited, outside, with interesting LA Phil ensembles playing a variety of works. Melodies rising above the stars and hums of insects; gorgeous, playful, deep, hallowing sounds snapping crisp against the dark sky. Who is this, who is writing this review, a god damn poet? What I meant to say is.... and there's beer too! And bonus- a bemusing crowd of nicely dressed old people who precisely match the mill in an odd way. Old mill = old people? The concerts sell out every time and you need to get in touch with your inner 200 year old self as they do not allow tickets to be purchased on-line. You have to either give them your address so they can send you an order form and then you fill it out and send them money (what is the ice ages, shall I sign my check - the abominable snowman?) or buy them in person at the mill. They can't fax or send you a pdf of the order form (what?!). Would some nice computer yelp geek please help them head into this century? Go, it's like having a slice of Italian villa at your fingertips. read more

I live really close so whenever I'm on a run I stop in to look at the breathtaking gardens and art show that they change every once and a while! Lovely place to visit , but the people living in the back house aren't that nice unfortunately. read more

Find a gorgeous day, go HERE, then go to the Huntington Hotel and check out the Picture Bridge. Do that. (nodding)

I hate to leave a post that makes me look like a jerk, but there is not much to see because the building has been overhauled too many times. The water-powered mechanism that milled grain is gone. There is a pleasant citrus garden. It's a 15-minute visit at most. Don't drive into the property because it's a road to nowhere. Just park on the street instead. read more

The Old Mill Foundation - Shot next to gazebo - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Marino, California

oh, now this is a hidden gem in san marino. i never would have found it if i hadn't been on a bike ride. i saw the sign and decided to stop on a whim. the old mill is actually a real old mill (imagine that) that was completed in 1816 as a grist mill for the mission san gabriel. for a time it was used as a residence. there are incredible wood beams and floors and the walls are five feet thick! there is a small gallery with rotating exhibitions and the grounds, though small, are beautifully landscaped with pomegranate trees and succulents. it's a gorgeous and isolated place that would be wonderful if you needed some solitude, quiet, and beauty. i believe you can also have private events here; the cal phil has played three small concerts there this summer, with the final one taking place tonight. there doesn't seem to be any entrance fee but donations are welcome. read more

This is a cool little museum/historical building (California Historical Landmark No. 302). I enjoyed walking around the outside to get a good view of this old structure. Inside were some exhibits and art work. I decided to park on the street, as it is a little tight up the driveway which ends at a private residence with almost no space to turn a vehicle around. Entry was free but donations are excepted, and check out the items for sale, too. read more

The Old Mill was Father Zalvedea's master plan. He was pretty much a nut case in his later years and became infatuated with self flagellation.....to the point that he would hammer nails into the bottom of his feet and walk around the mission grounds in San Diego wailing in agony. He was an interesting guy and fairly recluse, which makes it easier to understand the solitude of this place. read more

This place looks great from the outside, but I can never get in! I've tried to go on both a Saturday and a Sunday and the gate is locked and nobody is there! read more

I visited The Old Mill (El Molino Viejo) in San Marino, CA on 12/8/2012. I've been there a time or two. A beautifully restored historic location. A pleasant way to spend about half an hour. I do agree that the best place to park is in the street. A hidden gem. read more

This is a quaint little place within a residential area of San Marino. We came here to take our family Christmas pictures. We stayed outside and snapped some pictures around the grounds. We never went into the art gallery with our children. We kept an eye on our kids the entire time. After about an hour or so the docent came outside and asked us "how much longer we would be there". I answered that we were almost done, and that I thought it was ok to take photography outside. She said, "Yes, but you've been here long enough". Needless to say, she had had enough of us and our children. Children are clearly not welcomed here. Also let me add, that there was absolutely NO OTHER guests on the property the entire time we were there. The docent was completely rude and obviously did not like our presence. It's not a busy place and we did not disturb any other guests. Do not plan on visiting this location with children, or overstay your welcome!!! read more