A legacy of history and hospitality endures
For more than 40 years, Walter and Leonore Annenberg entertained celebrities, U.S. presidents, business leaders, and British royalty at their 200-acre winter home in Rancho Mirage, California.
Today, the estate serves two vital roles: a retreat for world leaders to address key national and international issues, and an enriching space open to the public to explore its history, beauty, and cultural significance.
The Annenbergs
Walter and Leonore Annenberg were extraordinary philanthropists, designating more than $3 billion in grants and gifts to major research universities, hospitals, medical centers, public schools, and cultural and civic organizations.
An estate of living history
An estate of living history
Since 1966, Sunnylands has welcomed U.S. presidents and world leaders, noted intellectuals, celebrities, and others. Many guests have engaged in dialogue here that ultimately led to enhanced international understanding and civil discourse.
-
2023November 4-7
Former Secretary of State John Kerry, then the U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, and his Chinese counterpart, Minister Xie Zhenhua, issue an historic agreement to reduce methane emissions.
-
2019January 3-6
Just days before Dr. Martin Luther King would have turned 90, members of the slain civil rights leader’s inner circle, including singer Joan Baez and the Rev. Gerald Durley, convene at Sunnylands.
-
2016February 15-16
U.S. President Barack Obama convenes leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) at Sunnylands. It is the first meeting of ASEAN countries on U.S. soil.
-
2014February 14
U.S. President Barack Obama greets King Abdullah II of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan at the entrance to the Sunnylands residence.
-
2013June 7-8
U.S. President Barack Obama hosts President Xi Jinping of China at Sunnylands for an informal meeting deemed a “shirtsleeves summit.”
-
2013September
The Sunnylands-Aspen Institute Task Force on Streamlining and Consolidating Congressional Oversight of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security convene at Sunnylands and release a report.
-
2013November
Key leaders from science, government, NGOs, and industry convene in the living room at Sunnylands discussing the future of AIDS research.
-
2012March
Sunnylands and the Woodrow Wilson Center convene a high-level retreat on U.S.–Mexico relations at the historic residence.
-
2003December
Bipartisan California leaders, including Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Democratic U.S. Senators Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein, meet at the Sunnylands residence with Leonore Annenberg (center).
-
1993December
Walter Annenberg announces his $500 million pledge to U.S. public schools.
-
1990March
Walter and Leonore Annenberg announce a $50 million grant to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) in a ceremony at Sunnylands with U.S. President George H.W. Bush.
-
1990March
U.S. President George H. W. Bush hosts an official White House dinner at Sunnylands for Prime Minister Toshiki Kaifu of Japan.
-
1988January
U.S. President Ronald Reagan signs a free trade agreement with Canada, a precursor to NAFTA, and announces it to the nation from Sunnylands.
-
1986January
In the Room of Memories, U.S. President Ronald Reagan watches a New Year’s greeting to the American people from Soviet Union General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev.
-
1983February
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth ll of the United Kingdom and HRH Prince Philip visit Sunnylands.
-
1976July
Celebrity singer Frank Sinatra marries his fourth wife, Barbara, at Sunnylands.
-
1974January
U.S. President Richard Nixon drafts his final State of the Union Address while visiting Sunnylands.
-
1974September
U.S. President Richard Nixon finds refuge at Sunnylands after President Gerald Ford issues a pardon for Nixon’s involvement in the Watergate scandal.
-
1968December
Walter and Leonore Annenberg host the Republican Governors Association at Sunnylands.
-
1966March
Sunnylands welcomes its first guests, among whom was U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Where leaders find common ground
The estate serves as a premier destination for global leaders to convene and address pressing national and international issues, fostering dialogue and solutions on matters of worldwide significance.
Progressing toward peace
Each year, the Trust welcomes leaders and experts from diverse backgrounds to engage in impactful discussions that advance Sunnylands’ mission to promote world peace and facilitate international agreement.
Sustainability at Sunnylands
Sunnylands leads in sustainability with initiatives like removing 60+ acres of turf, conserving water, and more. Explore how we’re preserving resources for future generations.
Community programs
Join us in the gardens for immersive gatherings that explore culture, music, film, science, and art. These programs provide a range of ways to experience the Center & Gardens while celebrating community and sharing experiences.
-
CV Days of Los Muertos
CV Days of Los Muertos is a local collaborative to celebrate the cultural significance of the Dia de los Muertos. At Sunnylands we provide workshops…View Details: CV Days of Los Muertos -
Dance in the Gardens
Sunnylands welcomes Nickerson-Rossi Dance and their company of contemporary dancers in this immersive garden experience. Costumed to emulate the environment dancers move progressively throughout the…View Details: Dance in the Gardens -
Family Days
Visit Sunnylands on one of our seasonal themed days. Designed as a shared family experience, these days include hands-on activities, free play, self-guided exploration, and…View Details: Family Days -
Sundays at Sunnylands
On most Sundays from November through April, Sunnylands invites families to the Center & Gardens, where toys, games, and activities are available to children of…View Details: Sundays at Sunnylands -
Tech-Free Totes
Tech-free Totes are available for free and check out anytime. These tote bags contain activities, books, and a blanket to provide families an opportunity to…View Details: Tech-Free Totes -
Tai Chi in the Gardens
Tai chi at Sunnylands Center & Gardens is an opportunity to experience a traditional teaching of the Yang Family 108 Long Form. Participants learn the…View Details: Tai Chi in the Gardens -
Music in the Gardens
March is music month at Sunnylands. Join us for our annual Music in the Gardens concert series. Visitors are invited to stroll in the gardens…View Details: Music in the Gardens
Our people
From our leadership to our administrators and convenings strategy group, everyone at Sunnylands plays a vital role in shaping our dynamic environment and advancing meaningful dialogue. Together, our work helps us preserve the estate’s lasting legacy.
Leadership
Sunnylands is governed by a nine-member Board of Trustees.
Administration
Meet the directors and managers in charge of day-to-day operations.
Strategy Group
Our team works hard to ensure every convening has a successful outcome.
Career Opportunities
Join our team at Sunnylands and contribute to a legacy of dialogue, learning, and innovation in a unique and inspiring setting.
