Our Story
Edward Ederle began acquiring art at age eighteen while working in Los Angeles in the early 1930’s. Although employed at Old Farmers and Merchants Bank, his real passion was art and antiques. Prior to World War II Eberle worked as a chauffeur for Mr. Guy Mitchell. The two traveled throughout Europe until onset of war.
In 1945, Ederle opened an Antique Gallery in Los Angeles with his business partner Dean Stout. During his time in Los Angeles he worked for William Randolph Hearst, actually living at the Hearst Castle for a period of time.
In the early1950’s, Eberle purchased property of what is now the Edward-Dean Museum. With help of friend Guy Mitchell, Eberle and Dean began work at the site. Museum structure was designed by architect Benjamin Rabe, the grounds by Dean Stout who was a landscape architect by profession.
At completion, the museum and library looked as they do today. The museum was run as a private enterprise until 1964, at which point Eberle gifted the property to Riverside County. Improvements have been implemented over last 50 years, including the Kay Cisneros’s Cultural Center and Legacy Rose Garden. Dean Stout died in 1964 and Edward Eberle in 1980.
Our Mission
The Edward-Dean Museum is committed to preserving its collection of 16th-19th century decorative arts while offering social, cultural, and educational enrichment.
