The Monterey Colonial-style Bauer Estate & Gardens, a 1928 architectural gem nestled in Pasadena, is set to open its doors for the 60th Pasadena Showcase House of Design from April 20 to May 18, 2025. The historic home—once the creative haven of prolific television producer and writer Stephen J. Cannell—will be transformed by 30 renowned interior and landscape designers, showcasing cutting-edge trends while honoring its storied past.
The Showcase House is one of the nation’s most celebrated design exhibitions, annually drawing more than 30,000 visitors. Organized by the Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts, the event not only serves as a platform for leading design professionals but also contributes significantly to arts and music education, with more than $26 million in funds raised since its inception.
This year’s milestone event arrives on the heels of the January 2025 wildfires, which had a devastating impact on several participating Showcase designers—some of whom lost their homes or remain displaced due to fire and smoke damage. Rather than stepping away from Showcase House, they chose to channel their energy into reimagining the estate’s interiors and support this venerable project.
“The spirit of our designers is what makes this event special,” said Matt McIntyre, President of the Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts. “We want this year to be a true celebration of creativity and community.”
Built by master builder Peter Hall and designed by acclaimed architect Reginald D. Johnson, Bauer Estate & Gardens is lauded for its grandeur and history. The five-acre property’s gardens, crafted by pioneering landscape architect Katherine Bashford, remain a defining feature and have earned the estate recognition in Pasadena’s 2012 Historic Designed Gardens study. Past residents include Harry Bauer, former CEO of Southern California Edison, and Alice Bauer, Board Chair of the Los Angeles County Arboretum.
This year’s Showcase House offers an immersive experience, featuring docent-led garden tours, boutique shopping at the Shops at Showcase, and exclusive dining options. Additionally, special programming includes guest chef dinners, live music performances, and interactive design discussions, ensuring visitors can engage with design, history, and culture beyond the visual spectacle.
Beyond its role as an aesthetic marvel, the Showcase House continues to be a beacon of philanthropy. Ticket sales directly support the Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts’ longstanding commitment to music and arts programs, benefitting initiatives such as the Music Mobile™, Instrumental Competition, and Youth Concerts at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. The event also underscores sustainability and historic preservation, demonstrating how contemporary eco-friendly design can harmonize with Pasadena’s architectural heritage.
A special highlight of this year’s event is the release of the second edition of 60 Years of Showcase Houses, a 300-page coffee table book chronicling the Showcase House’s history with stunning photography and archival insights. The book is available for pre-order at a discounted price, with shipping expected in June 2025.
With a rich legacy spanning six decades, the Pasadena Showcase House of Design remains a cornerstone of the city’s cultural landscape, blending artistry with purpose and history with modern innovation.
Bauer Estate & Gardens, Pasadena. For tickets and details, click here. For more information, call (626) 606-1600 or visit pasadenashowcase.org.
Dates: April 20–May 18, 2025.
Ticket Prices:
- Morning admission: $58 (9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.)
- Afternoon admission: $48 (2:30 p.m.–closing)
- Friday happy hour admission: $38 (4:30 p.m.–closing)
- Golden tickets: $75 (flexible entry)
