The Celebration Goes On...
50 Years: Programs and Events at Hearst Castle are Growing & Going Strong

San Simeon, CA — The final event in a year-long celebration marking 50 years of public access to Hearst Castle®, the June 6th Twilight on the Terrace, continues the Hearst Castle experience of excellence. Cause for celebration for years to come, educational programs and events have been initiated to commemorate the 50th by Friends of Hearst Castle (FHC), a cooperating association that partners with Hearst Castle for preservation and education. FHC’s events and programs focus on the art, the culture and the collection that was William Randolph Hearst’s legacy to the world’s people.

Some will say that the June 6, 2009 Twilight on the Terrace marks the end of the 50th celebration, but not FHC’s Chief Executive Officer Carol Schreiber, “For those who appreciate museum quality art and the architecture of the great Julia Morgan, for those who value educational programs and for those who relish a good time for a great cause, Friends intends to give you cause to continue celebrating. The finale of the 50th is taking a golden path to the hilltop with the launch of a long awaited book on San Simeon’s gardens and land and a premier art exhibit and sale as part of the 2009 Twilight on the Terrace. And, the good times continue into the 51st year with new offerings such as chamber music at the hilltop and updated presentations of an Enchanted Evening that acknowledges Hearst the Collector and a Holiday Feast that glows with a decade of glitter and glamour.”

Conceived by W.R. Hearst and designed 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 leaders of industry all graced the halls at “the ranch” as Hearst himself referred to this glamorous country house. 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 Mideast to the Castle. These treasures remain on display just as they were during the Castle’s heyday and splendor, now to be enjoyed by all who have an interest in beauty, art, architecture and history.

Fifty years and almost 40 million people later, this historic house museum, accredited by the American Association of Museums, belongs to the people and programs are being developed that encourage participation and involvement. “After all, it’s the Castle in your own backyard,” says Schreiber, who invites everyone to the Enchanted Hill® for the 2009 season of special events that benefits preservation and conservation of the priceless Hearst Castle collection of 25,000 works of art and antiquity.”

Event information is available at www.friendsofhearstcastle.org or by calling the FHC office at (805) 927-2138.

Salon Lecture

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Terrace below Casa Del Sol

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Hearst Castle’s opening to the public, Victoria Kastner has released her newest book Hearst’s San Simeon: The Gardens and the Land (Abrams, 2009.) Kastner and the book’s photographer Victoria Garagliano will share their insights at a book signing and wine and hors d’oeuvre reception on Saturday, May 9, from 5:00 to 8:30 PM at the terrace below Casa Del Sol on the Castle grounds.

The story of the gardens and land is examined for the first time in Kastner’s and Garagliano’s latest book and told at an extraordinary salon opportunity as part of Friends of Hearst Castle’s community education programs. This Salon lecture continues a tradition created by W.R. Hearst’s mother Phoebe Apperson Hearst who invited artists, lecturers and musicians to her home to enlighten and educate her guests.

The book features Garagliano’s breathtaking photographs of the 120 acres of gardens that wind through the Castle grounds and the miles of pristine coastline surrounding the Castle. Kastner, a gifted speaker, shares the story of W.R. Hearst’s and Julia Morgan’s connection to the landscape of San Simeon and the influences from around the world that inspired their vision for the gardens.

Cost: $80 per person for members and $100 for non-members

June 6 Twilight on the Terrace

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Hearst Castle Esplanade and Terraces

The 50th anniversary of Hearst Castle comes to a glorious close on this spring evening as guests sip fine wines, sample gourmet tastes, stroll the Esplanade and terraces and soak in the beauty of the Castle cloaked in a San Simeon sunset.

In the Plein Air tradition, 20 invited artists will spend time at the hilltop creating their interpretation of the magnificent Castle, its grounds and views. These works of art will be exhibited for sale at Twilight with proceeds benefiting FHC’s youth artreach program. This fine art offering is slated to become an annual feature of Twilight on the Terrace, a favorite friend-raiser with its relaxed style of gracious hospitality.

Cost: $150 per person for members and $175 per person for non-members

Notable Encounter

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Neptune Terrace Reception and Concert at Hearst Castle Theater at the Hilltop

Notable and noteworthy, encounter fine music at the hilltop! In collaboration with Festival Mozaic, now in its 39th year of presenting world-class musical performances, FHC sponsors a Notable Encounter at Hearst Castle. The Festival’s Notable Encounter Series offers one-hour performances in intimate venues. With in-depth commentary from the musicians, these concerts are an unparalleled opportunity to interact with the artists and great works in an engaging way.

Under the baton of Maestro Scott Yoo, the July 25th special Encounter presents music that was written while W.R. Hearst was in residence at Hearst Castle (1919-1947), a rich and important period in classical music.

Cost: $175 per person

Enchanted Evening

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Hearst Castle Terraces

The evening of sophisticated elegance begins with a wine reception on the terrace and a dazzling sunset over the Pacific Ocean. The magic of the evening continues with a gourmet dinner inspired by fresh, local foods and wines expertly prepared by renowned Central Coast Chef Maegen Loring. This year’s theme, Hearst the Collector, will find expression in a live and silent auction of Hearst Castle experiences and collectables. Bid on swims in the Roman or Neptune Pools, tennis at the Castle or special private Castle tours.

Cost: $350 per person for members and $375 per person for non-members

Holiday Feast

Saturday, December 5

Main Terrace and the Castle Refectory

An extraordinary way to begin the holidays, celebrating a decade of glitter and glamour, Holiday Feast is not just an event, it’s an experience! The most exclusive event of the Hearst Castle event season begins as a limousine whisks you up the scenic road to the hilltop Castle for a rare and unique opportunity to dine in the historic Refectory. The exquisite, many-course meal, paired with premium wines, provides a sumptuous and exceptional dining experience.

Cost: $1,100 per person for members and $1,200 for non-members

Friends of Hearst Castle

Friends of Hearst Castle, a nonprofit cooperating association, supports preservation and interpretation of Hearst Castle, including its art, artifacts, architecture and grounds through membership, education, outreach and special events; enhancing understanding and appreciation and thereby enriching the visitor experience.

For Tour Reservations Please Call (800) 444-4445
Or online at www.hearstcastle.com

For more information visit www.friendsofhearstcastle.org or call Friends at (805) 927-2138.

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