California State Parks is protecting, preserving, and restoring Hearst Castle and its wonders for future generations; this responsibility includes both the historic structures and the priceless art collections in the sumptuous estate.
Hearst Castle Art Collection
Expert conservators are hired on contract to treat works of art. The conservators’ professional training in art history, fine arts, and chemistry is enhanced by technical innovations. Castle staff oversee safe installation and climate control. In addition to state funds, both The Foundation at Hearst Castle and Hearst Castle Preservation Foundation help to pay for conservation of the vast art collection.
Historical Structures
From repairing and maintaining tiled terraces, original plumbing, vintage elevators, and historic wood doors, Hearst Castle’s Historic Building Restoration staff preserve the historic structures of this legendary estate for years to come, conforming to the National Park Service’s Standards for Rehabilitation.
Hearst Castle Preservation Foundation
See how the The Hearst Castle Preservation Foundation is helping to preserve and restore the Castle’s twenty five thousand artifacts, and discover how you can get involved, too.
More about Hearst Castle Preservation Foundation »
Hearst Castle currently has several projects under restoration, which you will see on your tour of The Enchanted Hill:
Restoration of the Doge’s Balcony Ceiling
Incorporating just a few historic elements, the ceiling in the Doge’s Balcony was essentially created by Hearst-era craftsmen as part of the Doge’s Suite – one of the most luxurious ensembles at Hearst Castle. Located on the mezzanine level between Casa Grande’s first and second floors, the suite was completed in 1926. As part of an exterior balcony exposed to the elements, the ceiling deteriorated over time. Several years ago, the ceiling was completely replaced. Damaged […]
Explore Restoration of the Doge’s Balcony Ceiling
Door in Gothic Suite
The Gothic Suite of Casa Grande showcases beautiful ceilings. Visitors on the Upstairs Suites Tour will enjoy the 14th Century ceiling in Mr. Hearst’s bedroom with its panels of medieval figures. Originally in the “House of Jews” at Teruel in the province of Aragon, Spain, the ceiling, frieze, and doors have benefited from the skill of conservators. The elaborate door required mold fabrication to replace deteriorated and missing parts. Painstaking analysis determined the colors to be […]
Explore Door in Gothic Suite
1930s Greenhouse
One of the restoration projects was the rehabilitation of the historic estate’s two 1930s greenhouse structures. These Lord & Burnham steel “kits” were shipped from New York to San Simeon for the purpose of propagating plantings for Hearst’s formal gardens. Greenhouse “B” was completely disassembled and steel frames accurately repositioned, while staff laboriously restored the bald cypress siding. This restoration project provided an impressive addition to the historic structures at the monument.
Explore 1930s Greenhouse
Neptune Pool Restoration Project
The Neptune Pool in the process of refilling in August 2018 after being empty for over four years. Originally constructed in the 1920s, the Neptune Pool was designed and enlarged twice by William Randolph Hearst and the architect Julia Morgan into the pool that is seen on tour today. The Neptune Pool, built above ground, is line with marble and serpentine tiles. The ensemble consists of modern and ancient Roman architectural elements, Baroque and Art Deco sculptures, and decorative marble […]
Explore Neptune Pool Restoration Project