Experience "Fifty Years of Excellence" at Hearst Castle

San Simeon, CA: Hearst Castle® is nationally accredited by the American Association of Museums and is operated by California State Parks. Hearst Castle® celebrates its 50 th anniversary of public tours this year on June 2, 2008. As a collaborative venture between Friends of Hearst Castle and California State Parks, the public is invited to enjoy the “Experience Tour” on Monday, June 2, 2008 at no charge. The following is a list of activities that will highlight the 50 th anniversary year of Hearst Castle® as a California State Park, so make your plans today to join us in this celebration and experience “Fifty Years of Excellence’ at Hearst Castle

50th Golden Anniversary― A Friendly Opportunity to Experience Hearst Castle

Friends of Hearst Castle, a nonprofit cooperating association affiliated with Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument, proudly announces a year of celebration to commemorate 50 years of public tours ― 50 years of public access to this historical house museum ― 50 years in which the public has ascended to the Enchanted Hill.

A private country estate containing some 165 rooms and situated on 86,000 breathtakingly beautiful acres in San Simeon, California, La Cuesta Encantada (The Enchanted Hill) is truly a sight to behold. Conceived by W.R. Hearst and constructed 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 successful businessmen all graced the halls at “the ranch” as Hearst himself referred to this glamorous country house. Housed within the Castle are countless works of art and antiquity, passionately collected by W.R. Hearst. Spanish ceilings, architectural fragments, medieval tapestries, Renaissance furniture, 19 th century sculpture and other decorative arts, such as ceramics, metalwork and textiles all made the long journey from Europe and the Mid-East to the Castle. These treasures remain on display just as they were during the heyday and splendor of the Castle, now to be enjoyed by everyone who has an interest in beauty, art, architecture and history.

Despite its grandeur, W.R. Hearst welcomed the rich, the famous, the influential and guests from every walk of life to the Castle where he enjoyed hosting parties, screening movies and relaxing by the Neptune Pool. Following in this gracious and warm tradition, Friends of Hearst Castle and California State Parks is proud to invite the public to join in a calendar of exciting events to celebrate the golden anniversary year of public access to the Castle. From a gala banquet set in the Refectory to outdoor cocktail parties under the stars to the popular Salon Series of lectures on Hearst-related topics to the upcoming release of a new book on the San Simeon gardens and landscape, this is the year of the Castle for the time of your life!

This is the year of marvelous encore presentations and innovative new expressions of entertainment in the Hearst style of indulgence. In honor of the 50 th, Friends will be offering members a gold pass to a customized subscription at a savings. Plan ahead, be assured tickets for events that often sellout and enjoy golden savings. Visit wwww.friendsofhearstcastle.org for membership information, the key to this national treasure.

Gifted to the State of California by the Hearst Family, Hearst Castle is accredited by the American Association of Museums and is operated by California State Parks. Friends of Hearst Castle is using this golden opportunity to launch an initiative, establishing a vitally important and much needed endowment for art preservation and restoration. This endowment will further Friends’ mission to ensure that the more than 25,000 objects of art and antiquities displayed at the Castle continue to be enjoyed by generations to come.

Hearst Castle celebrates its 50 th anniversary of public tours beginning this year on June 2, 2008. As a collaborative venture between Friends of Hearst Castle and California State Parks, the public is invited to enjoy on a first come, first-served basis a free “Experience Tour” on Monday, June 2, 2008.

The following is a partial list of events and activities that will highlight the 50 th anniversary year of Hearst Castle as a California State Park. Make your plans today to join us in this celebration and experience Fifty Years of Excellence at Hearst Castle.

Twilight on the Terrace: May 31, 2008

2008 marks the 2 nd annual Twilight on the Terrace at Hearst Castle, the kick-off event for a year of celebration honoring the 50 th anniversary of Hearst Castle public tours.

Last year’s event was a resounding success, and this year promises to be even more exciting with additional purveyors of fine wine and food making for an informal and entertaining evening. Twilight on the Terrace begins at sunset, a sight not to be missed from the Enchanted Hill! Sample locally produced wine, beer and hors d’oeuvres from over 40 Central Coast providers, as the sun dramatically sets over the Pacific Ocean and sparkling stars illuminate the Castle gardens. Revel in the fragrance of orange blossoms and enjoy a glorious spring evening while strolling the Esplanade and the Main Terrace. Take a chance on a raffle to win first-time Hearst Castle experience.

Friends of Hearst Castle is proud to announce that monies raised from this year’s Twilight on the Terrace fundraising event will begin a necessary and vitally important endowment for art restoration and preservation at Hearst Castle. As Hearst Castle approaches its 100 th birthday in 2019, the commencement of this endowment will ensure that the many irreplaceable treasures purchased by W.R. Hearst, enjoyed by his personal guests and further enjoyed by 50 years of public visitations, will continue to inspire, dazzle and educate people for generations to come. Cost $100.00 per person

ENCHANTED EVENING: September 27, 2008

In conjunction with the 50 th anniversary of public tours at Hearst Castle, 2008 marks the 10 th annual prestigious Enchanted Evening at Hearst Castle. An evening of sophisticated elegance, the night begins with a sparkling wine reception on the Main Terrace where you will be dazzled by a magnificent sunset over the Pacific. Under a canopy of stars, guests are escorted to their exquisitely decorated table for a premiere gourmet dinner inspired by fresh, local foods and wines expertly prepared by renowned Chef Maegen Loring, elegantly served in an outdoor setting. Bid on unique Hearst Castle inspired items and experiences, such as a swim in the Roman Pool or special Castle private tours. Other auction items have included luxury car leases, marvelous trips and exclusive Central Coast wine and food packages. Enchanted Evening is truly a magical evening reminiscent of the splendor and glamour of La Cuesta Encantante when W.R. Hearst entertained and everyone dreamed of an invitation. Cost: $325 per person

The golden anniversary glitters with glamour at the most exclusive event of the year, the Holiday Feast, an extraordinary way in which to begin your holiday season. A limousine will whisk you and your party up the scenic and winding road to the Castle. Partake in this rare and unique opportunity to dine in the historic Refectory in the company of 88 other discerning guests. The exquisitely catered, multi-course meal is paired with premium Central Coast wines for a sumptuous and exceptional dining experience. A special live performance of holiday music ensures that this is truly a feast for the senses. As a memento of this most distinctive holiday event, Friends of Hearst Castle will present every guest of the Holiday Feast with a unique castle-inspired treasure to take home and cherish. Cost: $1,000 per person (limited to 88 people)

Salon Series 2008: July 18, September 3, October 23, November 16 & December 11

Friends of Hearst Castle is proud to report that our first annual Salon Series of 2007 was a resounding, sellout success! Following in the tradition of Phoebe Apperson Hearst, who hosted lectures and readings in her Bay Area and Washington D.C. homes, Friends of Hearst Castle is sponsoring five exceptionally informative and entertaining talks in a number of local venues.

Friends of Hearst Castle is proud to report that our first annual Salon Series of 2007 was a resounding, sellout success! Following in the tradition of Phoebe Apperson Hearst, who hosted lectures and readings in her Bay Area and Washington D.C. homes, Friends of Hearst Castle is sponsoring five exceptionally informative and entertaining talks in a number of local venues.

July 18, 2008 Ageless Beauty: Outdoor Sculpture Conservation

Walk/Talk with John Griswold at Hearst Castle. Enjoy a stroll through the gardens with Conservator John Griswold of Griswold Conservation Associates, based in Los Angeles. Mr. Griswold will speak about the many challenges facing preservation of the numerous outdoor sculptures on the Hearst Castle grounds.