Jewels of the Season 2023

  The dazzling ‘Jewels of the Season’ will be on display November 15, 2023 - December 31, 2023. 

The Timken Museum of Art has once again partnered with San Diego State University’s Theatre, Television and Film department and the San Diego Model Railroad Museum to create a festive experience showcasing the Timken’s exquisite holiday ornament collection. Jewels of the Season is a sparkling and dazzling display of more than 1,000 unique, handcrafted ornaments beautifully capturing the essence of the holiday season.

Jewels of the Season 2022

  The dazzling ‘Jewels of the Season’ will be on display November 18, 2022 - December 31, 2022. 

Jewels of the Season 2021

At the San Diego Model Railroad Museum from November 18 - January 2

In the spirit of the season, we're once again partnering with the San Diego Model Railroad Museum in their 2021 Holiday exhibition, Rollin' in a Winter Wonderland. You can find a portion of our spectacular Jewels of the Season ornament collection featured in the heart of their holiday exhibition.
 
The Jewels of the Season ornaments are a sensory extravaganza, and have been a San Diego holiday tradition for many years. These incredible ornaments are entirely handmade and feature beads, sequins, gemstones, and filigree from around the world. The decorative ornaments, often compared to Faberge eggs, were designed and handcrafted by local San Diegan artisans, Florence Hord, and Elizabeth Schlappi. 

Jewels of the Season 2020

At the San Diego Model Railroad Museum from December 1- January 4 

 

Click here to read the news release for the Jewels of the SeasonThe Timken Museum of Art’s ‘Jewels of the Season tradition continues—but at a different location this year.  While the Timken is closed for visitor improvements, the Jewels of the Season will be on display at the San Diego Model Railroad Museum, December 1-January 4.  

Due to the state-wide mandated lockdown, the San Diego Model Railroad Museum is closed. 

On View November 22-December 31, 2019 

The Famous Timken Jewels of the Season will once again adorn the museum's rotunda. This famous holiday installation was launched in 2016 in partnership with the San Diego State University School of Theatre, Television and Film, and MSI Production Services Inc. This custom multimedia holiday installation will showcase the exquisite ornaments designed by San Diego artists Florence Hord and Elizabeth Schlappi. Model trains from San Diego Model Railroad Museum will travel throughout the lobby and heighten the festive atmosphere. 

Each ornament features semi-precious gems, sequins, stones, and filigree collected around the world by the two artists. Often compared to Faberge eggs, the elaborate designs and patterns require the artists to work anywhere from two days to two weeks to create one single ornament. This holiday show that became a staple of the San Diego holiday traditions highlights decades of craftsmanship - with a contemporary twist.