We are just a few weeks away from reopening for our fifteenth season at Sunnylands Center & Gardens with much in store, including house tours, a new exhibition, and the return of Films in the Gardens, to name a few.
Tickets for September tours of the Annenberg estate will be released tomorrow, Friday, August 15, at 9 a.m. Pacific time. Options include the 90-minute Historic House Tour as well as the Open-Air Experience grounds tour.
September also marks the return of our biannual Films in the Gardens series, featuring a different film on three consecutive Friday evenings, beginning September 12. Titled “Tales Beneath the Trees,” the series this fall features movies that are rated R or PG due to their scary or supernatural themes. Please see below for further details.
This season, we will be unveiling the exhibition, Curating Canopy: Trees at Sunnylands. Detailing the 60-year history of trees on the Sunnylands estate, this photographic exhibition will feature stunning imagery from renowned photographer David Loftus at the Center. As always, the exhibition will be free to the public during opening hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, beginning September 10.
Browse below for an overview of the various workshops available in September and October. Whether it’s a meditation class, a candle-making workshop, or a Day-of-the-Dead-themed class, there is something for everyone.
Looking ahead, we are excited for the return of one of our favorite events, the annual Coachella Valley Days of Los Muertos celebration, as well as the November start of our popular outdoor wellness programs, Family Days, and more. Details to come.
Lastly, we are reviewing our public programs and would love to hear from you! Please fill out this brief, anonymous survey and tell us what activities you might find interesting during the upcoming season. Thanks in advance.
Enjoy the rest of your summer and we hope to see you soon!
Sunnylands tour tickets: Available Aug. 15 at 9 a.m.
The 90-minute Historic House Tour takes guests inside the Annenberg home, highlighting the architecture, décor, and hospitality enjoyed by cultural icons for decades. On the 45-minute Open-Air Experience, guests enjoy stunning views of the 200-acre grounds, including the golf course, outdoor sculpture, and midcentury modern architecture.
New exhibition—Curating Canopy: Trees at Sunnylands
The serenity of Sunnylands originates in large part from the careful selection of trees that founders Walter and Leonore Annenberg chose in the mid-1960s, transforming 200 acres of bare desert into a verdant oasis. Through beautiful imagery by photographer David Loftus, this new exhibition invites guests to view trees—not just as landscape features—but as art, each tree with its own sculptural form and seasonal expression.
Films in the Gardens: Sept. 12, 19, and 26
Taking inspiration from our exhibition on trees, this fall’s Films in the Gardens series features a trio of scary or supernatural movies, rated R or PG, where trees play a role in the story. Gates will open at 6 p.m., with the film starting at 7:30 p.m. Admission and parking are free. No reservations needed. Snacks and drinks will be available at the café from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Brief survey on activities and programs
We are reviewing our various programs and would love to hear from you! Please fill out this brief, anonymous survey and tell us what activities you would be interested in seeing and doing at Sunnylands during the upcoming season. Tap the “Learn More” button below for a link to the survey.
Now seeking high school students who love art
Local high school students are invited to apply for this season’s Art Ambassadors program, a hands-on experience exploring art, history, architecture, and creativity. The program is free and meets once per month from October through April. Engage with professionals and peers while exploring art-related careers. Limited spaces available.
Wellness series: Live Easy Meditation
Guided by instructor Lisa Botts, participants will practice wellness exercises in the Sunnylands gardens. Anchored in meditation, breathwork, gentle movement, and sound therapy, this program focuses on stress relief, emotional balance, and mental clarity. Fee: $11.90 per person. For registered participants only. Limited spaces available. This series is offered on various dates throughout the season.
Art workshop: Tree Whisperers
Led by artist Judy Nemer Sklar, participants will explore the “expressive arts” by creating a watercolor painting of a tree, symbolizing the seasons of life. Weather permitting, this workshop will be held in the Sunnylands gardens. Participants will take their paintings home after the workshop. Fee: $17.10 per person. For registered participants only. Limited spaces available. All art supplies are included.
Art workshop: Make Your Own Candle
Mijo Candle Co. will lead a workshop in the Sunnylands studio where participants will create and take home their own custom, scented candle while learning about the art of candle making. Participants will be able to choose from more than 30 fragrance oils. Fee: $53.50 per person. For registered participants only. Limited spaces available. All art supplies are included.
Day of the Dead Art Experience: Mosaic Skulls
Join artist Mary Clark-Camargo for a Day of the Dead-themed art workshop and create your own 6×8-inch mosaic skull, known as a calavera, using hand-crafted glass and colored ceramic tiles. Fee: $69.10 per person. For registered participants only. Limited spaces available. All art supplies are included.
Shop online as we re-stock for next month's reopening
Browse the online gift shop for the perfect gift options, including Sunnylands-branded mugs, postcards, and notecards, as well as books and exhibition catalogs. In-store shopping, and pickup for online orders, will resume on September 10. Opening hours will be Wednesday through Sunday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Browse the café menu online before your visit
The Sunnylands café offers an appetizing selection of drinks (coffee, herbal teas, and soft drinks) and lunch options (sandwiches, wraps, and salads) as well as sweet treats (ice cream, cookies, muffins, and more). Enjoy stunning garden views from the outdoor patio. Click or tap below for the full menu.