Timken Museum of Art Presents “Jewels of the Season” — A Dazzling Celebration of Art, Imagination, and Seasonal Splendor
On View November 22 - December 31, 2025
San Diego, CA — November 12, 2025 — The Timken Museum of Art once again ushers in the holiday season with one of San Diego’s most enchanting traditions, Jewels of the Season. This year’s installation transforms the museum into a winter wonderland, featuring a glittering forest of exquisitely adorned trees in the foyer, a grand 12- foot Christmas tree in the Central Gallery, whimsical topiaries, and a model train on loan from the San Diego Model Railroad Museum that evoke the charm and joy of the season.
In collaboration with San Diego State University’s Theatre, Television, and Film Department the Timken presents an immersive holiday experience centered around its renowned collection of handcrafted ornaments by San Diego artists Florence Hord and Elizabeth Schlappi. Each ornament—a luminous gem of artistry and imagination.
Often compared to Fabergé eggs, the Jewels of the Season ornaments were originally created between the 1930s and 1980s using glittering stones, sequins, filigree, and found treasures from around the world. The creative collaboration between Hord and Schlappi yielded more than 1,400 intricately designed ornaments, each requiring days or even weeks to complete.
The collection’s legacy endures through the generosity of Lynne Thompson, a close friend of Schlappi, who preserved and ultimately donated the entire collection to the Timken. Each year, Thompson and a dedicated team of volunteers transform the museum’s Central Gallery into a breathtaking holiday display, now expanded beyond a single Christmas tree into a festive installation of 11 trees.
Visitors will also discover ornaments inspired by San Diego landmarks, international tall ships, and
the San Diego Zoo’s first panda. In addition, the Timken enhances the display each year and this year is no different, new additions will bring a touch of magic and delight.
“Jewels of the Season is one of San Diego’s most cherished seasonal experiences,” said Megan Pogue, Executive Director of the Timken. “This year’s presentation, with over 1,000 ornaments, offers a magnificent expression of the joy of the holidays. We are honored to share these treasures with the community and visitors from near and far.”
Adding to the merriment, an antique six-car model train from the San Diego Model Railroad Museum will circle the Central Gallery’s Christmas tree.
“There is something magical about trains during the holidays,” said Michael Warburton, Executive Director at the San Diego Model Railroad Museum. He added, “Partnering with the Timken has become a holiday tradition, and the addition of the model train adds another layer of fun for both kids and kids at heart.”
Along with handcrafted keepsake replicas of the original ornaments, a Jewels of the Season catalog will be available in the museum store.
DISPLAY DETAILS
Exhibition: Jewels of the Season
Dates: November 22 – December 31, 2025
JEWELS OF THE SEASON PROGRAMING
Workshop: Jewels of the Season Ornament-Making Workshop — December 1, 2025
Workshop description: Back by popular demand, the “Jewels of the Season” Ornament-Making Workshop takes place on December 1, inviting guests to craft their own festive keepsakes inspired by Hord and Schlappi’s dazzling designs.
Location: Timken Museum of Art, Balboa Park
Ticket Prices: $105 Non-Members | $85 Members
To Purchase Tickets: https://www.timkenmuseum.org/calendar/event/jewels-of-the-season-ornament-crafting-workshop/
ABOUT THE TIMKEN MUSEUM OF ART
Located in the heart of Balboa Park, the Timken Museum of Art is home to an exceptional collection of European old masters, American paintings, and Russian icons. Often called the jewel box of Balboa Park, the Timken is dedicated to sharing the transformative power of art with the public—offering year-round free admission, engaging exhibitions, and cultural programs that inspire and delight.
Museum Hours:
Wednesday through Sunday
10:00am-5:00pm
Admission: Free
Timken Museum of Art - Balboa Park
1500 El Prado
San Diego, CA 92101
619.239.5548