Extraordinary Experiences at Hearst Castle Expected to Fill Quickly: Nonprofit Organization Raises Funds via Neptune and Roman Pool Experiences, “Twilight on the Terrace” Tasting Event, and Dinner & Movie Evenings
SAN SIMEON, CA, January 25, 2020 — The Foundation at Hearst Castle announced today a limited number of swim soirées at the luxurious, outdoor Neptune Pool and the gilded, indoor Roman Pool in 2020. The nonprofit association also announced dates for two Dinner & A Movie evenings. It will continue to host the Central Coast’s most anticipated annual charity event, Twilight on the Terrace, on the first Saturday in June.
Executive Director Michael Young shares, “By virtue of our longstanding cooperative affiliation with California State Parks, we are fortunate to be able to provide our members unique opportunities to support our mission while experiencing the Hearst Castle like guests of William Randolph Hearst — from incomparable swims to intimate dinner and film-viewing evenings.”
Except for Twilight on the Terrace, reservations for the charity events are only open to members. Annual membership with the 35-year old nonprofit organization starts at $500 (or $42/month); however, anyone is welcome and encouraged to become a member. For an additional contribution, members may reserve space for up to ten guests at any of this year’s events. To view membership levels and benefits, click here.
The Holiday Feast at Hearst Castle will likely return in 2021 and continue as a special event every two years.
Neptune Pool Swim Experience
If you’ve ever dreamed of swimming in the palatial pool once appreciated by the likes of Joan Crawford, Howard Hughes, and Charlie Chaplin – this is your chance. Members may reserve space for up to ten guests for a largely tax-deductible contribution of $950/person.
Following the Grand Reopening of the nearly 90-year-old Julia Morgan-designed pool in the fall of 2018, members of The Foundation at Hearst Castle may swim in the Neptune Pool. Only a few charitable swim experiences are scheduled for 2020, limited to 40 guests each.
Constructed in three versions between 1924 and 1936, the Neptune Pool at Hearst Castle is 104 feet long, 58 feet wide, and 95 feet wide at the alcove. It is 3.5 feet deep at the west end, 10 feet at the drains, and holds 345,000 gallons of water. Other notable aspects of the Neptune Pool include: the (defunct) oil-burning heating system; the Vermont marble that lines the basin, gutters, and alcove; and gigantic marble Art Deco sculptural groups of Venus, cupids, and mermaids frolicking in the water.
Guests will begin the experience with a scenic ride up the iconic road leading to the Enchanted Hill. Then, head to historic changing rooms located off the Neptune Terrace to prepare to swim in the refurbished Neptune Pool. Stroll spectacular surrounding terraces, take in the sunset view and jazzy music, and relish a selection of hearty hors d’oeuvres, as well as the Central Coast’s finest wines and craft beers. To conclude the evening, guests will be escorted down the hill with memories that will last a lifetime.
Saturday, June 27, 2020
Saturday, Aug 15, 2020
Sunday, Aug 30, 2020
Saturday, Sept 26, 2020 – RESERVATIONS FULL
Roman Pool Swim Experience
Imagine floating in a brightly-colored and shimmering gold glass-tiled indoor pool decorated with eight statues of Roman gods, goddesses, and heroes… A luxury swimming experience at the Roman Pool is only available to members of The Foundation at Hearst Castle, and the guest-list is limited to 20 at each of the two charitable events offered in 2020. Members may reserve space for up to ten guests for a largely tax-deductible contribution of $950/person.
This meticulously detailed, majestic pool is tiled from ceiling to floor, and features marble statues of Roman deities and athletes as well as lamps carved of marble and alabaster. Julia Morgan built the Roman Pool at Hearst Castle from 1927-1934. The mosaics were inspired by those found in the 5th-century mausoleum of Galla Placidia in Ravenna, Italy, and include marine creatures, mermaids, and other charming motifs designed by Camille Solon.
Guests will begin the evening with a scenic ride up to The Enchanted Hill. Then, they’ll splash around in the most beautiful pool in the world while enjoying tunes from Hearst’s heyday, a variety of substantial savory and sweet treats, and the Central Coast’s finest wines and craft brews. As the evening comes to a close, guests will be escorted down the hill with memories that will last a lifetime.
Saturday, June 13, 2020
Sunday, Oct 11, 2020
Dinner & A Movie
The Foundation at Hearst Castle offers two wine-paired dinners in 2020, featuring unrivaled views of the Pacific on the enclosed sun porch of Casa del Mar cottage, William Randolph Hearst’s personal residence in his later years. Limited to 14 guests, the multi-course supper will be followed by a film screened in Hearst’s private theater lit by golden goddesses all along the red damask walls. Reservations for this members-only event requires a largely tax-deductible contribution of $750/person.
Amid all the grandeur of the Hearst Castle, it’s said that W.R. himself seemed most relaxed in his ornate, 50-seat movie theater, where he would enjoy a movie or performance, surrounded by actress Marion Davies and his dachshund, his famous guests gathered around him. The theater, which leads off the billiard room, was used both for amateur theatricals and the showing of movies from Hearst’s Cosmopolitan Studios and others. In the vestibule, an electric console that controls the bells in the carillon towers.
Cocktail attire. Period dress welcome.
Sunday, Oct 25, 2020
Sunday, Nov 8, 2020
Twilight on the Terrace
On the first Saturday in June, annually, The Foundation at Hearst Castle throw a fabulous party at the architectural splendor and storied California landmark. Guests ride to the hilltop to taste a spectacular variety of wines, craft beers, and mouth-watering appetizers sourced from local artisans and producers. This is one of the Golden State’s most beloved philanthropic events, attended by folks coming from near and far.
Twilight on the Terrace slides into sunset, a sight not to be missed from the Enchanted Hill. Besides sampling beverages and tasty bites from 30-plus Central Coast providers as the sun sets over the Pacific and sparkling stars illuminate the castle gardens, attendees dance to jazzy, live music in front of Casa Grande. Revel in the fragrance of orange blossoms and enjoy a glorious spring evening while strolling the Esplanade and the Main Terrace, or breath in the view overlooking the recently filled and glorious Neptune Pool.
Monies raised from this year’s Twilight on the Terrace will support ongoing conservation efforts and full-time conservation staffing, along with innovative youth programs for underserved middle school students throughout California. As Hearst Castle approaches its 100th birthday, our mission remains — to inspire, exhilarate, and educate visitors for generations to come.
Presale ticket pricing available through April. Members receive a discount.
View 2019 Photo Album: Twilight on the Terrace
View 2019 Video Recap: Twilight on the Terrace
For details and to make reservations, visit Events and click on the thumbnail of interest, email info@foundationathearstcastle.com, or call The Foundation at Hearst Castle (805) 927-2138.
About The Foundation
The Foundation at Hearst Castle’s mission is to support the conservation and restoration of Hearst Castle, and to offer youth programs for underserved middle school students — to enhance the appreciation of the art and architecture of this world-class museum and monument, ultimately enriching the visitor experience and inspiring future generations of visionaries.
The Foundation at Hearst Castle is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit association affiliated with Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument® and the San Luis Obispo Coast District of California State Parks. EIN 77-0068533.
- Using Hearst Castle to Inspire Kids – Michael Young, Executive Director (video)
- STEAM Program at the Castle (video)
Media Contact:
Tara Stephenson
Director of Development
(805) 245-4510
tara@foundationathearstcastle.com
