San Manuel Buys Mission Inn for $33M—But Historic Artifacts Are Missing

The Mission Inn in Riverside has been sold to the San Manuel Investment Authority for $33 million. The deal excluded many of its historic artifacts, sparking concern among locals and officials. The sale of the Mission Inn, a designated California, Riverside, and federal landmark, did not include several key pieces of its historic collection. Items such as the Taft Chair, the Charge Up San Juan Hill painting, the Pomona statue, and the California Alps painting were removed prior to the sale’s completion. The artwork was taken in line with the terms of the agreement.

Previous owner Kelly Roberts stated that the removed pieces were not part of the sale and remain her lawful property. She also claimed to have left most of the hotel’s historic collection in place for future generations to enjoy. Roberts added that inaccurate reports about the removals had overshadowed the celebration of the inn’s legacy.

Riverside City Councilmember Philip Falcone expressed unease about the artwork’s removal, noting its significance to the hotel’s history over more than a century. Some visitors to the Mission Inn have described the sight of missing pieces as depressing and saddening. The sale of the Mission Inn has raised questions about the fate of its historic artifacts. The removed items remain the property of the former owner, while the rest of the collection stays with the hotel. Concerns persist among residents and officials about preserving the landmark’s heritage.