Looming over the western end of Mission Valley, this stately, white museum building (1929, William Templeton Johnson) is a San Diego landmark. Capped by a commanding tower, the Mission Revival structure features characteristic Spanish Colonial elements, including red-tile roofs, arches and clerestory-type windows. Five galleries contain exhibits concentrating on the region's early history. Highlights include a remarkable collection of Spanish Renaissance furniture and a display devoted to local Native Americans that describes the ill effects of colonization during the Spanish and Mexican periods. Downhill from the museum, a modern wall marks the perimeter of the original presidio complex, today a group of grass-covered mounds.