City of San Luis Obispo, CA

As construction continues for the Cultural Arts District Parking Garage and Mission Plaza just down the street, the City of San Luis Obispo reminds community members that nearby museums and local businesses are open during construction.

“Our community is full of incredible local businesses and vibrant museums, and many of them are located near construction areas,” said Laura Fiedler, City Economic Development & Tourism Manager. “While construction can temporarily change how people move around, it also creates an opportunity to show up for the places that make our community special. By continuing to visit and support local businesses and museums during construction, we help ensure they remain strong long after the work is done.”

Community members can visit the following downtown museums during construction:

• Children's Museum: The San Luis Obispo Children's Museum boasts three floors of interactive and imaginative exhibits designed for children ages 2-10 and their families. Children can explore the dino dig and augmented-reality sandbox on the first floor. Then head to the second floor, called SLO Town, to perform on the stage, browse Farmers’ Market and explore an eighteen-foot climbing tower. Little ones will love the third floor “train station.” The Children’s Museum is located at 1010 Nipomo Street and admission prices range from $3 to $10 and admission is free for children age 2 and under. Visit anytime from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Monday. www.slocm.org 
  
  
• Museum of Art: The San Luis Obispo Museum of Art brings together neighbors and friends, students and seniors, first-time guests and longtime supporters to experience world-class art through the shared lens of community-building. Located in the heart of Downtown SLO, the museum is accessible for visitors of all ages, identities, and abilities. All are welcome to visit SLOMA. The museum is located at 1010 Broad Street and admission is free from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Monday. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are reserved for school and group tours only. www.sloma.org 
  
  
• History Center Museum: The History Center of San Luis Obispo County is a nonprofit museum and research center dedicated to promoting the appreciation of SLO County history through preservation, education, and collaboration since 1953. The History Center Museum is located in the Carnegie Library Building at 696 Monterey Street in downtown San Luis Obispo. Admission is free from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Monday. www.historycenterslo.org 
  
  
• Mission Museum: The Mission Museum is inside Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, adjacent to the gift shop. Both are housed in the original Convento Wing, which was once the residential quarters of the Franciscan priests and friars who served the community. The museum holds a collection of artifacts, including Native Californian, Mission Era, and American settlement. Admission is free from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. www.missionsanluisobispo.org

The City is investing in a variety construction projects that will keep SLO moving forward. While these construction projects will create momentary disruptions, each project is community-driven and essential to SLO's future. These construction projects go beyond repairing roads. They're a vital part of our collective vision for San Luis Obispo, one that seeks to create a more resilient, vibrant, inclusive, and forward-thinking community.

Among these projects are:

• The Cultural Arts District Parking Garage: This project is the culmination of years of visionary planning and meticulous design. Since 2003, our vibrant City has been on a journey to create something truly remarkable: a fourth public parking garage that not only meets the needs of our community and the downtown but also ignites the spirit of creativity and connection. When complete this spring, this parking garage will be accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The garage is designed to increase downtown’s transportation options by including vehicle parking, electric vehicle charging stations, and bike storage; increase public event and meeting spaces downtown thanks to the new rooftop event space overlooking SLO’s beautiful skyline and the new courtyard; and provide safe overnight parking options for community members who live downtown.
  • Fun Facts:
    • Each swirl finish on the decks of the parking garage was done by hand using a tool that looks like the bristle end of a broom! The image below shows the swirls on the top level of the garage.
    • The entire parking garage has approximately 7,400 cubic yards of concrete with an additional 1,000 cubic yards for the frontage improvements.
  • Construction started: November 2023
  • Grand opening expected: March 2026 (the grand opening, with a ribbon cutting ceremony, is being planned and information about the official opening will be shared soon).
    
    
• Mission Plaza Enhancements: This project is rooted in the City of San Luis Obispo’s longstanding commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community space. Inspired by the City’s Downtown Concept Plan, this project marks a significant step forward in modernizing, beautifying, and revitalizing the heart of downtown while preserving the historical and cultural significance of this cherished community space. The City is replacing the plaza’s public restrooms, repairing to the historic Murray Adobe, building a brand new Café Kiosk and with tables and seating, and creating sustainable and innovative improvements that will ensure the plaza continues to thrive as a focal point for public life and activity in our community.
  • Fun Facts: The brick border of the new plaza patio represents the footprint of the historic Murray Adobe home.
  • Construction started: January 13, 2025
  • Grand opening, including Café Kiosk, expected: Spring/Summer 2026; Construction is expected to be completed near the end of February with Café Kiosk opening sometime this summer.