History

Hearst Castle Carillon Bells

Conservation Highlight: Carillon Bells Rehabilitation

Currently under rehabilitation, the carillon bells, which sit in the two bell towers of Casa Grande, are some of the most iconic features of the Hearst Castle estate....

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A View From the Past: Christmas in San Simeon

Kristin Rasmussen recounts her grandmother's recollection of Christmas in San Simeon in the 1920s. Grandma Norma grew up in San Simeon, CA at the foot of Hearst Castle....

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The Foundation Hosts Rare Tour of Julia Morgan Stucco Warehouse in San Simeon

The Foundation at Hearst Castle hosted a tour of Old San Simeon, including a look inside the rarely explored white stucco warehouse designed by Julia Morgan....

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Foundation Members Visit Mission San Antonio and Hacienda at Fort Hunter Liggett

Since 1985, The Foundation at Hearst Castle has raised funds to support the conservation of pieces like this 15th-century Italian marble wellhead....

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Airbnb Online Experience Receives 5- Star Ratings and Stellar Reviews

5-star reviews! The 75-minute livestream tour of Hearst Castle is only available via Airbnb’s Online Experience platform and 100% of revenues benefit The Foundation at Hearst Castle....

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Hearst Castle was a gathering place for the old Hollywood elite in the 1920s and 1930s. Here's Clark Gable (far left), Carole Lombard, producer Mervyn LeRoy (standing) and W.R. Hearst (seated, far right) at the famous circus party in 1938. Credit: http://www.oldhollywoodfilms.com/

Foundation at Hearst Castle Partners with Airbnb, Offers Exclusive Hearst & Hollywood Online Experience

The Foundation at Hearst Castle—a nonprofit organization dedicated to conservation and education around the historic Hearst Castle—announced the launch of an exclusive tour opportunity within Airbnb’s Online Experiences....

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Evelyn's Playhouse, Pasadena 1953

A Personal Passion for Preservation

I’ve always looked at preservation as a very personal passion. Whether you are interested in preserving old houses, keeping family memories alive, revitalizing your downtown, helping the sick, feeding the hungry, rescuing animals, or looking after our vast natural resources, everybody has a “passion”—although they may not know it. That…...

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Curator Wm. R. Williams lived in this house across the street from Hearst Castle in the 1930s.

A View From the Past: Hearst Warehouse Treasure

Kristin Rasmussen shares a story about her Grandma Norma, who grew up in San Simeon, CA at the foot of Hearst Castle. She was awed by W.R. Hearst's warehouse treasures....

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Sebastian's General Store, San Simeon

A View from The Past: Meet Norma (Sebastian) Bassi Monson

Kristin Rasmussen describes the village of San Simeon, Sebastian's General Store, and the Bay View Hotel during the time Grandmother Norma grew up there....

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Our Mission

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.

© 2019 The Foundation At Hearst Castle. All Rights Reserved