The 60th Pasadena Showcase House of Design marks a significant milestone in one of the nation’s most prestigious home and garden tours. Presented by the Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts, this celebrated annual event runs from April 20 to May 18, 2025, inviting over 30,000 guests to explore exceptional interiors, landscape designs, boutique shopping, and fine dining on-site.
Discover Bauer Estate & Gardens – An Architectural Icon
This year’s Showcase House takes place at the historic Bauer Estate & Gardens, a sprawling 1928 Monterey Colonial estate in Pasadena. Designed by renowned architect Reginald D. Johnson and built by Peter Hall of Gamble House fame, the estate was originally commissioned for Harry Bauer, then CEO of Southern California Edison, and his wife Alice, Chair of the Los Angeles County Arboretum.
Nestled across five secluded acres, the property features exquisite gardens by Katherine Bashford, one of California’s pioneering female landscape designers. From manicured lawns and Mediterranean terraces to a pool house and north-south tennis court, the estate exemplifies refined outdoor living. In 2012, the site was recognized by the City of Pasadena in its Historic Designed Gardens study and is part of a proposed National Register of Historic Places district.
Inside the Showcase: Design Excellence and Heritage
With over 15,000 square feet and 18 major rooms, the Bauer Estate offers an extraordinary canvas for more than 30 interior and landscape designers to highlight cutting-edge trends in high-style living. Visitors will encounter:
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Step-down living rooms and original fireplaces
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Gracious reception spaces and wood-paneled libraries
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Historic moldings and wide-plank hardwood floors
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Staff quarters, a butler’s pantry, and a flower room
This immersive tour celebrates not just the future of design but also nearly a century of architectural heritage.
Timeless Traditions, Contemporary Flair
Since its founding in 1948, the Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts has raised more than $26 million for arts and music programs across Southern California. Proceeds from the 60th edition will support four core initiatives:
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Gifts & Grants
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Music Mobile™
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Instrumental Competition
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Youth Concert
In 2024 alone, the organization donated $1 million in community support.
More Than a Tour: Shops, Dining & Events
The event also features the ever-popular Shops at Showcase, with more than 20 curated vendors offering clothing, jewelry, ceramics, home décor, and specialty foods. Guests can enjoy:
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A full-service restaurant
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A beer and wine pub
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Grab-and-go snack kiosks
Tickets and Visiting Details
Timed-entry tickets range from $38–$75 and can be purchased at pasadenashowcase.org/tickets or by calling 626.606.1600. A limited number of Golden Tickets—offering flexible, on-demand access—are also available.
Tour Hours:
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Monday: Closed
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Tuesday–Thursday: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM
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Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
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Saturday–Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
A Legacy in Design
Over its 60-year history, the Pasadena Showcase House has graced cities throughout the San Gabriel Valley, including Pasadena, San Marino, La Cañada Flintridge, South Pasadena, Arcadia, and Altadena. Each year brings a fresh take on California luxury and lifestyle design while preserving the architectural integrity of iconic homes.
Whether you’re a design enthusiast, architecture lover, or philanthropist, the 60th Pasadena Showcase House of Design promises an inspiring journey through timeless elegance and contemporary creativity.
Photography © Susan Pickering
