Aerial Photo by Susan Pickering [Pasadena Showcase House of Design]
The month-long event, running from April 20 to May 18, features the work of 30 interior and landscape designers who have reimagined the 1928 Monterey Colonial estate and its five acres of gardens, designed by pioneering female landscape architect Katherine Bashford.
“This year’s event is special. Well, extraordinarily special because it is our 60th,” said Marybeth Rehman-Dittu, benefit chair and second vice president of the Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts (PSHA). “And I also think that after the Eaton fires – many members and many of our designers had lost their home – it’s mainly [about] resurgence and resilience. So it’s 60 years old, but it’s a new beginning.”
The Bauer Estate, built in 1928 and home to only two families in its 96-year history, is currently under consideration for the National Register of Historic Places. The property features historic gardens, a four-tiered fountain, winding pathways, topiary deer, and a koi pond.
The showcase serves as the primary fundraiser for PSHA, which has contributed over $27 million to music and arts programs since its inception in 1948. Funds raised support programs including Music Mobile, Instrumental Competition, and Youth Concerts.
New this year are additional special events, including an Easter egg hunt on opening day for children ages 4-8, weekend brunches, and Friday night themed dinners prepared by guest chefs.
“The House is always the star of the show, there’s no doubt,” Rehman-Dittu said. “And we have six new, very talented designers this year, and all of the rooms are perfectly manicured. There’s not an average room in the entire house.”
Tickets range from $38 to $75 depending on day and time, with shuttle service provided from Santa Anita Park Gate 6 in Arcadia. The exact address of the estate is revealed upon ticket purchase.
The showcase is open Tuesday through Thursday and Saturday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and closed Mondays.
Beyond touring the home’s 18 major rooms, visitors can explore The Shops at Showcase, dine at the on-site Writer’s Club restaurant, and join docent-led garden tours.
Founded as the Pasadena Junior Philharmonic Committee in 1948, the PSHA adopted the Showcase House concept in 1965; since then, it has grown into one of the nation’s oldest, largest, and most successful house and garden tours.
