Designed beginning in 1917, Caltech’s campus is a masterful blend of Beaux-Arts planning and Mediterranean/Spanish Revival architecture, shaped by legendary architects such as Bertram Goodhue, Myron Hunt, and Gordon Kaufmann. Low, arcaded stucco buildings with red tile roofs are arranged around shaded courtyards and axial vistas, integrating classical proportion and symmetry to take advantage of Southern California’s climate and light. Rich details—wrought iron, carved stone, and colorful tile—reflect the region’s craftsmanship, while lush gardens, reflective pools, and mature trees create a serene “garden campus” that balances intellectual rigor with tranquility. In the broader Southern California context, Caltech stands as a timeless example of how classical ideals can be adapted to place, climate, and culture without losing their civic dignity or enduring beauty.
Gloria Mullendore, President of the Caltech Women’s Club, will serve as our guide for this insightful tour. Gloria has been a docent since 2009, and we look forward to her invaluable expertise.
ICAA Members – $15
Non-Members – $25
CalTech Athenaeum 551 South Hill Avenue Pasadena
Gloria Mullendore