Carmel Mission Basilica Museum — Attraction in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Please don’t take this with a grain of salt. This is what it is. A beautiful, lovely, much more positively spirited place these day… but …. 100% — it is a horrible site of misrepresented history. I have added one photo to demonstrate just 1 example of the absolute nonsense and literal - missed moment of reading comprehension & inference from the primary documentation, in their wildly fantastical museum of the mission’s history.

Of course, come and see this extraordinary living memory of Californian, Spanish, Mexican and most importantly, Indigenous peoples’ history. I added more photos of its glory because it is a wonderful place for contemplation of nature, the world, peace, life and death; perhaps even your higher power. Just keep your reality lens on because this mission is rewriting your experiencing into distortion.

There was only one singular aspect or moment of apology for the ancestors who suffered. Note the memorial in one picture. Even the gift shop made no small effort to give all, most or some, proceeds to reparations.

Me: I accidentally bumped into this mission, on my birthday road trip to see a lighthouse, in real life. I was heading to Mission nature not connecting the word to the historical collection of missions! I have always wanted to go to a mission, since missing the 4th grade trip & did not hike, but instead took advantage of $13 admission cash or card, with apple parking. — — — I expected historically profitable, potentially overly giving to the idea of the fathers and religious leadership nuances throughout the factual information, maybe more academic, less-emotionally connected language to abuse of the local populations of “ ‘Indians‘ “, maybe some outdated contexts or opportunities for improved diction, but…not, an entire fabrication without even a true honoring of the REAL, reason any of these mission’s thrived— colonization, exploration and slavery, imprisonment, forced assimilation , with Catholicism in this case, the backdrop for why… this treatment of another living (sentient) being, was justified.

I have to leave two stars though my visit was impactful, humbling and poignant— — I have a world history degree & I came to the table with with maybe more useful prior knowledge to know from jump, this place’s tagline includes also, graveyard, prison, western hegemony….along with the beautifully restoredand curated visual elements— majority of tourists/followers of Christ/Eurocentric visitors, will not come with this perspective and should have every right to leave with an accurate understanding of “the way it was”.

The review must reflect the negative long-lasting impact these inaccurate monuments have on our social, emotional and economic relationship to the past & capacity for a better world today, in the very next moment.

Lastly, I beseech those responsible for the upkeep to change this on your own proactively, and especially if personally (like I am) concerned with defending this current profiteering madhouse of learning and religion before God 🌍🕊♻️💕

🆘Those with impressionable group trips🆘 This is a non-secular field trip due to the dandified recollection and retelling of history. Public schools should take note before scheduling new trips*4/22/23 was my visit date. This is an socially/emotional unsafe, school field trip, and as a teacher, if I had accidentally taken students with me on this, my first time to the mission, I would have had to ask them to stop reading any signage for my job safety, &...

Today is June 7,2025. The place is very nice and you will learn a lot in their museum. Giving the Basilica a 5 star however, I’m giving the overall experience a 3 star because the lady at the gift shop who is wearing a brown sweater with short hair wasn’t nice to my daughter who was shopping for her love ones. She jumped into conclusion that she didn’t return the bracelet which I explained I returned it in it’s original display area because it didn’t fit the person she’s buying it for but she made a comment that she didn’t see her return it (she was watching her the whole time) and was insisting it was with her. I went to talk to the lady and told her I returned it but when I showed her where the bracelet was and the reason why we returned it (does not fit the person) she said she had one and it did fit her. Please note that not all people have the same sizes of wrist for the bracelet to fit the person especially the bracelet was made with chains and doesn’t extend unlike the bracelets made with stretch cords. Then she was still watching over us so I just decided to purchase that bracelet along with other products from the gift shop that I was getting and showed it to her. She was only watching my daughter the whole time and failed to watch over the other people who broke something in the shop and the others who took something from the travel coins and placed it in their pockets which I think should be purchased first before putting in their pockets. I really hope next time she wouldn’t jump into conclusion and will ask nicely or she could just check the cameras if she asked and won’t believe instead of insisting a kid took something without paying and saying it in front of a lot of customers in the basilica gift shop. My daughter went to the chapel and prayed. Went to the gift shop to purchase something for her loved ones and was treated like a thief and a liar. You made her experience awful, it is sad that an adult like you can treat a child that way. I hope you’ll be able to change and not judge a person by their appearance and ethnicity. I’m writing this comment because I don’t want other people especially kids to experience what my daughter has...

🌟 A Hidden Gem of History and Beauty! 🌟

If you find yourself wandering the charming streets of Carmel, then a visit to the Carmel Mission Basilica Museum is an absolute MUST! 🏰🌅

Prepare to be transported back in time as you step into this enchanting oasis of history and beauty. The moment you set foot inside, you'll be greeted with warm smiles and a genuine passion for sharing the rich cultural heritage of the area. 🤗📜

The museum's collection is nothing short of captivating! 🎨🏺 Each artifact and exhibit has a story to tell, providing a delightful insight into the lives of those who once walked these hallowed halls. From meticulously preserved artifacts to breathtaking art pieces, you'll find yourself immersed in the past like never before. 🎭🎨

The Carmel Mission Basilica Museum isn't just a place to admire relics; it's a journey of discovery! 🚶‍♂️🔎 Knowledgeable guides are always ready to take you on a fascinating tour, weaving tales of the past with enthusiasm and expertise. You'll leave with a newfound appreciation for the region's history and a heart full of cherished memories. 💖🕰️

What truly sets this place apart is its serene and peaceful ambiance. Amidst the picturesque gardens and tranquil courtyards, you can't help but feel a sense of tranquility and connection to the past. It's a perfect spot for reflection and capturing that picture-perfect moment! 🌿📸

Whether you're a history buff, an art enthusiast, or just someone looking to experience something extraordinary, the Carmel Mission Basilica Museum is the place to be. So, make sure to add it to the top of your travel itinerary! 🗺️✨

In conclusion, a visit to the Carmel Mission Basilica Museum promises an enchanting experience that you'll cherish for a lifetime. 🏰💫 Don't miss out on this hidden gem – it's a slice of history served with a generous helping of friendliness and charm!...