San Simeon, CA: Hearst Castle is nationally accredited by the American Association of Museums and is operated by California State Parks. The most popular state park attraction celebrates its 50th anniversary of public tours this year on June 2, 2008. As a collaborative venture between Friends of Hearst Castle and California State Parks, the public is invited to enjoy the “Experience Tour” on Monday, June 2, 2008 at no charge.

50th Golden Anniversary― A Friendly Opportunity to Experience Hearst

Friends of Hearst Castle, a nonprofit cooperating association affiliated with Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument, proudly announces a year of celebration to commemorate 50 years of public tours ― 50 years of public access to this historical house museum ― 50 years in which the public has ascended the Enchanted Hill.

A private country estate containing some 165 rooms and situated on 86,000 breathtakingly beautiful acres in San Simeon, California, La Cuesta Encantada (The Enchanted Hill) is truly a sight to behold. Conceived by W.R. Hearst and constructed by architect Julia Morgan, Hearst Castle was a playground for the privileged and the few. Members of Hollywood’s A-list, politicians, heads of state and successful businessmen all graced the halls at “the ranch” as Hearst himself referred to this glamorous country house. Housed within the Castle are countless works of art and antiquity, passionately collected by W.R. Hearst. Spanish ceilings, architectural fragments, medieval tapestries, Renaissance furniture, 19th century sculpture and other decorative arts, such as ceramics, metalwork and textiles all made the long journey from Europe and the Mid-East to the Castle. These treasures remain on display just as they were during the heyday and splendor of the Castle, now to be enjoyed by everyone who has an interest in beauty, art, architecture and history.

Despite its grandeur, W.R. Hearst welcomed the rich, the famous, the influential and guests from every walk of life to the Castle where he enjoyed hosting parties, screening movies and relaxing by the Neptune Pool. Following in this gracious and warm tradition, Friends of Hearst Castle and California State Parks is proud to invite the public to join in a calendar of exciting events to celebrate the golden anniversary year of public access to the Castle. From a gala banquet set in the Refectory to outdoor cocktail parties under the stars to the popular Salon Series of lectures on Hearst-related topics, and upcoming release of a new book on the San Simeon gardens and landscape, this is the year of the Castle for the time of your life!

This is the year of marvelous encore presentations and innovative new expressions of entertainment in the Hearst style of indulgence. In honor of the 50th, Friends will be offering members a gold pass to a customized subscription at a savings. Plan ahead, be assured tickets for events that often sellout and enjoy golden savings. Visit  friendsofhearstcastle.org for membership information, the key to this national treasure.

Gifted to the State of California by the Hearst Family, Hearst Castle is accredited by the American Association of Museums and is operated by California State Parks. Friends of Hearst Castle is using this golden opportunity to launch an initiative, establishing a vitally important and much needed endowment for art preservation and restoration. This endowment will further Friends’ mission to ensure that the more than 25,000 objects of art and antiquities displayed at the Castle continue to be enjoyed by generations to come. Hearst Castle celebrates its 50th anniversary of public tours beginning this year on June 2, 2008. As a collaborative venture between Friends of Hearst Castle and California State Parks, the public is invited to enjoy on a first come, first-served basis a free “Experience Tour” on Monday, June 2, 2008.

A list of events and activities will highlight the 50th anniversary year of Hearst Castle as a California State Park.

 

Ragged Point < San Simeon > Cambria

 

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