Jorgenson, Chris, Studio
Why it's listed
Built in 1904 by artist Chris Jorgenson in Yosemite Valley, this log studio measures 22 by 37 feet and has one room. It has a steep overhanging gable roof of wood shingles, peeled logs joined with V-notched corners, a rubble granite foundation, and a granite exterior chimney. The projecting front gable shelters a porch on five log posts and holds a small sleeping loft inside. An original stained glass window in a sunburst design survives on the facade. Jorgenson, a California painter and the first student of the California School of Fine Arts, kept a seasonal residence and studio in the valley for about twenty years. The National Park Service acquired the building in 1919, and it served as the first Yosemite Museum from 1920. It was moved to Wawona in 1962 when structures in the old village were removed. Its interior was restored as a studio, and park staff now portray Jorgenson and his wife there.
Significance in brief: The studio is the remaining structure associated with Chris Jorgenson, a noted and prolific California painter of Yosemite scenes. It is considered locally significant in art. It also served as the first Yosemite Museum from 1920 and now forms part of the park's living history program.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 79000280, listed April 13, 1979. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | Pioneer Yosemite Historic Center, Yosemite National Park |
|---|---|
| County | Mariposa County |
| Listed | April 13, 1979 |
| Reference number | 79000280 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1899-1918 |
| Architect / builder | Christian Jorgenson |
| Areas of significance | Art |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Moved in 1962 and restored on the interior as a studio; now used in the living history program at the Pioneer Yosemite History Center, with many of Jorgenson's canvases on display. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 37.53874, -119.65620 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 79000280.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q5107046
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.