Members of The Foundation at Hearst Castle and their guests may swim in the Neptune Pool. A handful of charitable swim experiences are scheduled for 2026, limited to 50 guests each, so make your reservation today.
Neptune Pool Swim: Saturday, July 25, 2026
Members of The Foundation at Hearst Castle and their guests may swim in the Neptune Pool. A handful of charitable swim experiences are scheduled for 2026, limited to 50 guests each, so make your reservation today.
Event: WEEKEND ON THE HILLTOP: A 1935 FASHION SHOW PM
Members of The Foundation at Hearst Castle and their guests may swim in the Neptune Pool. A handful of charitable swim experiences are scheduled for 2025, limited to 50 guests each, so make your reservation today.
Event: WEEKEND ON THE HILLTOP: A 1935 FASHION SHOW AM
Members of The Foundation at Hearst Castle and their guests may swim in the Neptune Pool. A handful of charitable swim experiences are scheduled for 2025, limited to 50 guests each, so make your reservation today.
First Women of Hollywood: Book Talk & Signing
Discover the Untold Stories of Hollywood’s Female Trailblazers Join us for a captivating afternoon with author and film historian Mary Mallory as she presents her latest book, First Women of Hollywood: Female Pioneers in the Early Motion Picture Business. This enlightening event will take place at 1:00 PM on Sunday, June 1, at the historic Monday Club in San Luis Obispo. In her meticulously researched work, Mallory delves into the overlooked contributions of women who were instrumental in shaping the early film industry. From directors and screenwriters to editors, costume designers, and even the first female projectionists and animators, these pioneers played crucial roles in the burgeoning world of cinema. Mallory’s book brings to light nearly fifty remarkable women, including both familiar names like Mary Pickford and lesser-known figures such as Bessie May Kelley and Elsa Lopez, offering a comprehensive look at their invaluable impact on Hollywood’s formative years. Admission to the event is free, and copies of First Women of Hollywood will be available for purchase during the signing. Proceeds from book sales will support the Foundation at Hearst Castle’s mission to fund educational programs and preserve the cultural legacy of this historic landmark. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the women who helped build Hollywood and contribute to a worthy cause. Event details Open to public. All ages welcome First come, first-served. Event is held at The Monday Club in San Luis Obispo. 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.
Neptune Pool Swim: Saturday, August 16, 2025
Members of The Foundation at Hearst Castle and their guests may swim in the Neptune Pool. A handful of charitable swim experiences are scheduled for 2025, limited to 50 guests each, so make your reservation today.
Hollywood at Hearst: Neptune Pool Swim: Saturday, September 6, 2025
Members of The Foundation at Hearst Castle and their guests may swim in the Neptune Pool. A handful of charitable swim experiences are scheduled for 2025, limited to 50 guests each, so make your reservation today.
Neptune Pool Swim: Saturday, July 26, 2025
Members of The Foundation at Hearst Castle and their guests may swim in the Neptune Pool. A handful of charitable swim experiences are scheduled for 2024, limited to 50 guests each, so make your reservation today.
Unveiling the Beauty: Conservation Work on Hearst Castle’s Flemish Tapestries
SAN SIMEON, CA, JULY 25, 2024 — The ongoing FHC-funded conservation work on the three magnificent Flemish tapestries in the Hearst Castle Theater lobby is progressing beautifully. We’re excited to share that the first tapestry, “The Burning of the Numidian Camp,” has been completed and is ready for re-installation. Currently, conservation efforts are focused on the second tapestry, “The Conference of Scipio and Hannibal.” Textile conservator Ann Svenson is meticulously working on this piece, uncovering incredible details, particularly in the sections featuring woven gold. We’ve captured a series of photographs to illustrate the painstaking conservation process, starting with an overall view of the tapestry and zooming in until only a single strand of gold is visible. These images showcase the intricate process of creating gold “thread” in the 16th century. Artisans would wrap incredibly thin strips of gold around silk fibers, which were then woven into or affixed to the tapestries. The craftsmanship and patience required for this task are truly beyond imagination! Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to preserve and celebrate these historic treasures. About The Foundation at Hearst Castle Established in 1985, The Foundation at Hearst Castle (formerly called Friends of Hearst Castle) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit cooperating association affiliated with Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument® and the San Luis Obispo Coast District of California State Parks. Through membership and fundraising, The Foundation supports educational, interpretive, and preservation programs for Hearst Castle and California State Parks. Through the Foundation, businesses, philanthropic organizations, and individuals can provide support and engagement with Hearst Castle. To find out more about The Foundation at Hearst Castle, please visit www.foundationathearstcastle.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook to stay in the loop on the latest news and updates. 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.
Exciting Expansion for Our STEAM Program
SAN SIMEON, CA, JULY 23, 2024 — We are thrilled to announce the expansion of our STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) program for the upcoming year. Building on the success of last year’s initiative, where we hosted up to 14 schools and served over 600 students, we are now increasing our capacity to accommodate 25 schools and aim to serve over 1,000 students. How can we achieve this? To achieve this ambitious goal, we will be doubling our operational days, offering two tours each day. This change will provide greater flexibility in scheduling, making it easier for more schools to participate with the dates available. By doing so, we hope to extend the opportunity for hands-on learning and exploration to a broader audience of eager young minds. This expansion wouldn’t be possible without the support of our dedicated state park staff. Their commitment to excellence and passion for education make them incredible guides for the student tours at the castle. We extend our heartfelt thanks to them for their ongoing assistance and expertise, which are crucial to the success of our program. Our STEAM program is more than just an educational initiative; it’s a journey of exploration and self-discovery. We strive to provide engaging, hands-on experiences that delve into the realms of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math, while also inspiring our students to envision the endless possibilities that lie ahead. Just as Julia Morgan, the pioneering architect and engineer, built Hearst Castle a century ago, we want our students to see that they, too, can dream big and achieve their goals through dedication and creativity. As part of our program, students will engage in a variety of activities designed to both inspire and educate. At the beach, they will explore wildlife, dive into marine science, practice nature journaling, and learn about park careers. At the visitor center, students will participate in hands-on experiences that emphasize the historical and technological developments of our time. These experiences are crafted to provide valuable insights into the evolution of technology and its impact on society, all while aligning with California State Content Standards. Thank You To Our Donors We are also grateful to our donors, who play a pivotal role in the success of our STEAM program. We invite them to shadow our tours to see firsthand the impact of their contributions on the students who participate in our program. New Fundraising Goal To support this significant expansion, our fundraising goal for this year is set at $80,000. These funds will be used for various needs, including supplies, expanding our program, providing lunches and morning snacks, and covering transportation costs. We believe that with support, we can reach this goal and continue to provide enriching and inspiring experiences for our students. Looking Ahead As our program evolves, so does our commitment to excellence. We are focused on continually updating our resources and refining our activities to offer even more enriching experiences. The genuine excitement and curiosity we observe in students, particularly those encountering the beach for the first time, underscore the remarkable potential for learning and growth. Our mission is to […]


