Rosicrucian Park

A Journey Through Time

Back in 1927, H. Spencer Lewis, the founder of the Rosicrucian Order, AMORC, started something special. What began as a single lot has blossomed into a 5-acre complex that takes up an entire city block. And honestly? It's one of San Jose's hidden gems that many locals have yet to discover.

The park features buildings inspired by Egyptian architecture

Photo: John Martinez Pavliga (CC BY 2.0)

Eye-Catching Architecture

Wandering through the park, you'll notice buildings that seem transported from another time and place. The Egyptian and Moorish-inspired structures create an atmosphere that's anything but ordinary. The Grand Temple is particularly striking - dedicated in 1949, it beautifully mimics two ancient Egyptian temples. Its exterior draws from the temple of Dendera, while stepping inside feels like entering the processional temple of Medinet Habu.

Tranquil reflecting pool mirrors surrounding foliage

Photo: Lars Plougmann (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Egypt in California

At the heart of this unique space sits the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, home to the largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts displayed anywhere in Western North America. The museum attracts numerous visitors throughout the year. The museum has become something of a rite of passage for local school children, offering hands-on history lessons you simply can't get from textbooks.

Replica statue of Augustus of Prima Porta amid flowering gardens

Photo: John Martinez Pavliga (CC BY 2.0)

Beyond the Museum

The park houses one of America's pioneering Planetariums, which first opened its doors in 1936. If you're interested in historical gardens, the Peace Garden (added in 2004) recreates an authentic space from Egypt's Eighteenth Dynasty, specifically modeled after gardens from Akhetaton (modern-day Amarna).

Ornate tiled fountain in the central plaza

Photo: Lars Plougmann (CC BY-SA 2.0)

A Green Oasis

The grounds themselves are thoughtfully landscaped with a diverse mix of plants - towering palm trees, water-wise grasses, interesting cacti, fragrant roses, delicate ferns, and native flowers and trees. The central fountain plaza creates a focal point that draws you deeper into the space. For a moment of calm, find your way to the Koi Pond, where the gentle movement of colorful fish can lull you into a meditative state.

Lush palm trees are located within the park grounds

Photo: Orin Zebest (CC BY 2.0)

Beyond a Pretty Place

While beautiful, Rosicrucian Park is more than just a place to visit. It's an active center for spiritual and philosophical exploration, hosting daily meditations and housing the headquarters for the English Grand Lodge for the Americas of the Ancient Mystical Order Rosae Crucis. You'll often see people throughout the grounds, taking quiet moments away from San Jose's tech-driven pace at this unique cultural site.