Throughout its 28-year development, William Randolph Hearst filled the buildings and grounds of his estate with thousands of works of art purchased specifically to furnish it. Hearst’s dream that his beloved hilltop retreat and art collection would one day be a museum for all to enjoy became a reality when it was deeded to the State of California. California State Parks protects, preserves, and restores Hearst Castle and its wonders for future generations. Experts in textile, painting, and object conservation assist in this work to carefully maintain these historic objects from around the world.

Hearst Castle Art Collection

Expert conservators are hired on contract to treat works of art. The conservators’ professional training is enhanced by technical innovations. Museum professionals oversee safe installation and climate control. In addition to state funds, both The Foundation at Hearst Castle and Hearst Castle Preservation Foundation help fund 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 Restoration staff preserve the historic structures of this legendary estate for years to come, conforming to the National Park Service’s Standards for Rehabilitation.

Completed Projects

Hearst Castle Road Construction

Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument (Hearst Castle) was temporarily closed during 2021-2022 due to critical road damage sustained by severe winter storms. California State Park staff from both the local district and headquarters began working diligently in conjunction with State Park consultants and the Hearst Corporation to assess the damage and scope of repairs. Substantial road culvert failures on the road that connects the Hearst Castle Visitor Center to Hearst Castle required immediate repair. The contract was awarded to Madonna Construction and work began in late July 2021. Hearst Castle again welcomed the public and resumed tour operations in May 2022 upon the project’s completion.

Neptune Pool Restoration

The Neptune Pool has received ongoing restoration since the property was deeded to California State Parks. The Neptune Pool was drained for renovation and repair of the plumbing and concrete shell as well as conservation of the Art Deco sculptures in 2008.

The nearly 90-year-old Neptune Pool was drained again in 2014 at the height of the drought due to cracks that caused it to leak up to 5,000 gallons a day. State Parks immediately launched a major renovation project to fix the leaks. The renovations completed in August 2018 included the removal of more than 9,000 square feet of marble tiles, the repair of the concrete shell, the replacement of tiles with thousands of new marble tiles sourced from the original quarry in Vermont and the restoration of the Art Deco sculptures. California State Parks had many partners who helped make this restoration possible, including the Hearst Castle Preservation Foundation, Stephen Hearst, Hearst Corporation, Friends of Hearst Castle and the general contractor, T.B. Penick and Sons.

Current ongoing restoration projects focus on cleaning and maintenance of the marble and serpentine tiles lining the pool, working to ensure their endurance for future generations to enjoy.

1930s Greenhouse

These Lord & Burnham steel “kits” were shipped from New York to San Simeon for the purpose of propagating plantings for Hearst’s formal gardens. Both historic greenhouse structures were rehabilitated.

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.

Before:

After:

The 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 used in restoring the painted portions.

As is the case with all conservation projects, extensive documentation and state of the art materials ensure the preservation of these treasures for future generations to enjoy.

This photo was taken during the restoration project.

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. Over several restoration projects, the ceiling was completely replaced. Damaged or missing elements like the seraphim (small heads around the oval painting) were recreated with plaster casts. A later phase of conservation softened the appearance of the painted and gilded areas so that they seem to be much older, but undamaged.