The mission of California State Parks includes the preservation and protection of valuable cultural resources throughout the state. Historic House museums have the additional responsibility of interpreting both the historic structures and their contents. Thus, at Hearst Castle, employees strive to maintain both the historic structures and the priceless art collection within those structures for the enjoyment of current visitors and future generations.
Art Treasures
The Curatorial staff works closely with expert conservators to preserve countless works of art spanning several centuries and representing many artistic styles and media. In addition to state funds, both Friends of Hearst Castle and the Hearst Castle Preservation Foundation dedicate funding for the preservation of Mr. Hearst’s vast art collection. Conservators combine state-of-the-art methods and meticulous attention to detail to ensure the conservation of pieces ranging from a 14th century painted wooden ceiling to a 1st century marble sarcophagus.
Historical Structures
Hearst Castle’s Historic Services Department maintains and restores the historic structures on the Enchanted Hill. Skilled craftsmen — carpenters, painters, mold shop artists, tile layers, and many others — labor to preserve the historic fabric of the buildings while conforming to the National Park Service’s “Standards for Rehabilitation.” From the tile mosaics in the Roman Pool (see above) to the tile roof of Casa Grande, Hearst Castle’s Historic Services Department is preserving the Hilltop estate for years to come. To see one of the current projects, click on the “1930′s Greenhouse” link to the right.
Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument is accredited by the American Association of Museums.