Gaspar de Portola established the first California mission in 1769. The museum explores the history of Native Americans who lived in the area, European explorers who reached the coastal region from New Spain and those who resided at the Presidio during the Mexican occupation period. Visitors can view tools, weapons, art, clothing and one of the finest collections of Spanish Renaissance furniture in the West.Located in beautiful Presidio Park, the museum is one of the most photographed buildings in San Diego.