In 1865, George Hearst, a wealthy miner, purchased 40,000-acres of ranchland that included the Mexican Ranchos of Piedras Blancas, San Simeon and Santa Rosa. In 1919, his only son, William Randolph Hearst, inherited the land from his mother, Phoebe Apperson Hearst. By then the ranch had grown to encompass 250,000 acres.

Originally known as "Camp Hill," its wilderness offered a place for family members and friends to "rough it" on camping trips. Despite elaborate arrangements with separate sleeping and dining tents, Hearst envisioned more comfortable accommodations. His simple instructions to famed San Francisco architect Julia Morgan in 1919: "Miss Morgan, we are tired of camping out in the open at the ranch in San Simeon and I would like to build a little something"

Hearst and Morgan's collaboration was destined to become one of the world's greatest showplaces. As they were planning and constructing his dream home, Hearst renamed the rocky perch from which it rose "La Cuesta Encantada" - The Enchanted Hill. By 1947, Hearst and Morgan had created an estate of 165 rooms and 127 acres of gardens, terraces, pools and walkways.

The estate's magnificent main house, "Casa Grande," and three guest houses are of Mediterranean Revival style, while the imposing towers of Casa Grande were inspired by a Spanish cathedral. The blending of the architectural style with the surrounding land, and Hearst's superb European and Mediterranean art collection, was so seamless that world-renowned architectural historian, Lord John Julius Norwich, was moved to say that "Hearst Castle is a palace in every sense of the word."
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William Randolph Hearst was one of the many wealthy American collectors in the 19th and early 20th centuries who built and decorated sumptuous homes. In this era, great estates were decorated with European art and architectural elements. These wealthy collectors amassed art, which became, in many cases the basis for the great American art museums founded in the late 19th century.

Art treasures can be found in every room of Hearst Castle. Antique ceilings, Greek vases dating from 800 B.C., rare oriental carpets, and myriad works of art can be seen throughout William Randolph Hearst's vast home. Art and architectural elements originating primarily in Spain and Italy complement the Mediterranean Revival architecture. Antique furniture, ceilings, mantels, doors, paintings, sculptures, bas-reliefs, textiles and tapestries, comprise much of what is seen at Hearst Castle. Complete care, maintenance and management of the collections at Hearst Castle is the responsibility of the Collections Management Section. Officially christened in 1984, the section has been working to care for the artifacts since Hearst Castle was donated to the State of California in 1957 as a historic house museum.

Staff members are trained in proper museum practices of artifact care, handling, preservation, environmental control standards (including interior climate conditions and integrated pest management), and the legal and record-keeping responsibilities of a public trust.
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The National Geographic Theater at the Hearst Castle Visitor Center is a 5-Story screen theater showing the resident film "Hearst Castle, Building the Dream" as the companion film to Castle Tours.

Guest films may be included in the National Geographic Theater schedule. These giant screen films, such as Everest, Whales, Grand Canyon, or Dolphins, are just a few of the films that have been part of our educational and interpretive programs.

This original 40-minute movie begins every 45 minutes; first showing at 8:15 am. The last show of the day is usually at 5:15 pm in the off-season and 6:45 pm in the peak season with later show times for later tour schedules.

Hearst Castle - Building the Dream was produced exclusively for this Theater. Breathtaking original cinematography combined with vintage clips and stills from the 1920's and 30's allows visitors to experience the building and background of the Castle on a 5-story screen. This popular film is combined with Tour 1 as the Experience Tour ticket.

The lobby of National Geographic Theater is home to an impressive display of 17th century tapestries from the Hearst collection. Plan on some extra time to enjoy these artifacts at your leisure during your visit at the Visitor Center.
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