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A Spectacular View

Julia struggled through her first icy winter in Paris. She was thrilled to see the first signs of spring, writing to the LeBruns on March 1, 1897: “The weather is beginning to brighten, these days. . .

Cathedral Bells

Julia occasionally allowed herself a day of sightseeing, amidst her strenuous preparations for the École des Beaux-Arts’ entrance exams. On Easter Sunday in 1897, she showed a young female visitor. . .

Spending Thanksgiving in Paris

Julia struggled with homesickness while in Paris—especially during holidays. Writing to her friend Beatrice Fox on December 11, 1896, Julia reported that her first solitary. . .

The Duomo at Como

Julia and Avery arrived in Como, Italy late one evening in August 1899. They went straight to the Duomo—the city’s main cathedral (also known as the Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta). . .

Arriving in Italy

For their summer vacation in August 1899, Julia and Avery eventually decided to take the train through Switzerland and Northern Italy. It had not been. . .

Considering the Bicycle

With Avery as her companion, Julia could explore Europe during their summer breaks. They considered different modes of transport, as she explained. . .

Solitary No More

During her first two years in Paris, Julia was often lonely. Her life improved in the fall of 1898, when her younger brother Avery joined her. . .

Watching Famous Actresses

During her first two years in Paris (1896-98), Julia occasionally attended plays with her friends. On 30 May 1898, she wrote to Pierre and Lucy LeBrun. . .

A Glimpse of Belle-Époque Paris

Julia attended the play Paméla in the spring of 1898, when it opened at the Théâtre du Vaudeville, shown here in an 1889. . .

Happy Sesquicentennial, Julia!

Julia Morgan was born 150 years ago, on January 20, 1872. At that time, her future seemed certain: marriage, then motherhood, then the genteel pursuits. . .