Road Trip: Sam and Alfreda Maloof Home, Rancho Cucamonga, CA

The Sam and Alfreda Maloof Home in Rancho Cucamonga is a true gem worthy of a visit as a “tourist in your own hometown”! Sam Maloof, widely regarded as one of the greatest woodworkers of the 20th century, left an indelible mark on the world of furniture design. Born in 1916 in California, Maloof’s journey as a woodworker began in the late 1940s when he built his own home and needed furniture to fill it. This marked the beginning of a remarkable career that would span over five decades and establish Maloof as an icon in the realm of woodworking.

The Sam and Alfreda Maloof Foundation for Arts and Crafts is located at the base of the San Gabriel mountains in the Inland Empire city of Rancho Cucamonga. Named for the famed mid-century furniture designer and his equally talented wife it features a gallery, garden, historic home and more on a picturesque 5.5-acre site. Previously, We had no knowledge of this wonderful home and gardens when our son-in-law, Otto, arranged for a visit and guided tour of the home.

Call it a museum, a historic landmark, a memorial, a sanctuary, whatever; all those standard labels would be appropriate to describe the engaging complex of a woodworking studio, a hand-crafted residence, a gallery, and gardens that make it a unique experience. As a museum Sam Maloof’s creations are displayed in their contexts, in his workshop, in a gallery, and most importantly in his former home, which Sam crafted over many years. Particularly noteworthy is that the entire complex along with many trees were moved to the present site several years ago to make way for a freeway. Because the original home site was a historic landmark it was eligible to be preserved and relocated just 3 miles away, in an impressive preservation effort. As it was in its original site, and now on its new site, it’s worth a journey to see.

The workshop, nestled amidst the vibrant gardens, was the heart of Sam’s creative endeavors. It was a place where ideas came to life and where he spent countless hours meticulously crafting his iconic furniture pieces. The workshop itself was a testament to Sam’s commitment to functionality and efficiency. Every tool and workbench were carefully organized, showcasing his attention to detail and desire for a harmonious work environment.

Sam Maloof hand-made every one of the more than 5,000 or so pieces that came out of his studio. Sam had a few assistants over the years, but he did all the major work himself. He made chairs that seem as alive and organic as the wood he used to make them.

Throughout his career, Sam Maloof garnered numerous accolades and honors. In 1985, Maloof became the first craftsman to be recognized with a MacArthur “genius” Grant, a true honor, but on his business card he referred to himself simply as “Woodworker.” His work was showcased in prestigious museums and galleries around the world, and he received countless awards recognizing his contributions to the field of woodworking. However, Maloof remained humble and grounded, often opening his home and workshop to visitors, eager to share his knowledge and passion for the craft.

Today the entire compound, including the historic home, is open to the public on Thursday and Saturday. The gardens and galleries are free of charge, there are workshops and classes offered and there are regularly scheduled home tours. Entry to the home is only available with a docent guide, for which there is a $25 charge for seniors. The tours tend to sell out quicky so be sure to purchase tickets ahead of time.

We arrived early and while waiting for our tour we headed to the garden for quick stroll. Filled with California native plants the garden features wandering paths with surprising art and sculptures around every corner. After our tour we had a picnic lunch in the patio. It was a very pleasant visit with our daughter and son-in-law, and an unexpected delight to visit this true jewel in Southern California.

EV Trivia for our Road Trip: Round Trip= 123 miles, Energy Use= 32 kWh, Efficiency= 3.8 mi/kWh.

Please Contact Us and let us know if there is a destination that you think we should visit and we’ll try to make plans.