edward-dean museum of decorative arts

I recently revisited this fine, formerly private decorative arts museum in Cherry Valley (10 minutes from Banning/Beaumont, CA) and found it much as I remembered from 25 years ago - a jewel. Now managed by Riverside County, the collection is strikingly unusual. With just a $5 entry fee, skipping a visit to the Edward-Dean should be a misdemeanor. A friend who has lived in Banning for 11 years had never heard of it. I suspect the County doesn't want to spend any money on advertising, but there is a link to it on the County website. The place deserves to be much better known than it is. It's a genuine southern CA treasure and seems to be primarily maintained and supported by an active Friends (volunteers) group. Allow 1-2 hours to see both the interior collection and landscaped grounds. Open Thurs-Sat., 10AM - 4 PM.

My husband was a close friend of the owner of this house, before it was donated to the State. The collection of antiques is quite phenomenal in such a small museum. It is well worth a stop

This isn't the Beaumont you are thinking of, as it is above the town in an area of open fields and horses. The museum is full of furniture so special it qualifies as art. It is a lovely stop on your way through the pass, to or from Palm Springs or beyond. They often have special events so check their website for an event that would make your stop even more meaningful.