The Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts will unveil its 60th annual Showcase House of Design on April 18, 2025, featuring the historic Bauer Estate, a magnificent 15,000-square-foot home nestled on five picturesque acres. The Diamond Jubilee Gala event combines an exclusive tour of the residence with an evening celebration at The Langham Huntington Pasadena, all aimed at raising funds for music education programs throughout Southern California.
The gala marks six decades of philanthropic impact for the organization, which has donated over $26 million to music initiatives since its founding in 1948. The event is designed to highlight both architectural preservation and arts education.
“Join us for the official unveiling of the stunning 2025 Pasadena Showcase House of Design at our Diamond Jubilee Gala,” states the official invitation. “Be the first to see the amazing Bauer Estate, a magnificent 15,000 square foot home nestled on five picturesque acres.”
The evening will begin with tours of the Bauer Estate from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., followed by a gala at The Langham Hotel from 7 to 11 p.m. Attendees will enjoy cocktails, dinner, dancing, and an auction. The Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts has requested semi-formal attire for the occasion.
Operating as a nonprofit organization since 1948, the Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts has established itself as a key cultural and fundraising pillar in Pasadena’s arts landscape. Their annual Showcase House of Design event transforms a different historic property each year, with proceeds funding numerous community programs.
The organization’s impact extends throughout Southern California through initiatives like the Music Mobile™ program, which has reached over 130,000 students. The Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts provides annual grants to support school music departments, youth orchestras, and music therapy programs. Their contributions include a $1 million donation to Walt Disney Concert Hall, demonstrating their commitment to making music accessible to diverse communities.
Built in 1928, the Bauer Estate represents significant architectural heritage as a Monterey Colonial-style home designed by Reginald D. Johnson. The property, commissioned by Southern California Edison executive Harry Bauer and his wife Alice, features gardens by Katherine Bashford and is included in Pasadena’s Historic Designed Gardens survey. It is eligible for historic district status under the National Register of Historic Places.
Approximately thirty designers are participating in the transformation of the estate, including Kirsten Blazek, a participating designer for the 2025 event. The designers are incorporating both contemporary aesthetics and historic elements to create a curated thematic transformation.
Beyond the gala, the Showcase House typically welcomes more than 20,000 visitors annually during its public viewing period, which is expected to run through May, though the end date is to be announced. The event generates significant tourism revenue for Pasadena while supporting local vendors, designers, florists, and artists.
Tickets for the gala are $350 per person or $3,250 for a table, with a purchase deadline of Tuesday, April 8, 2025. Valet parking at The Langham Hotel will cost $15, with complimentary shuttle service provided to the Bauer Estate.
Tickets for the Diamond Jubilee Gala are available at $350 per person or $3,250 for a table of ten. To secure your spot at this prestigious celebration of architecture and the arts, please purchase tickets by Tuesday, April 8, 2025.
Tickets can be obtained through the Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts website at https://pasadenashowcase.
Valet parking at The Langham Hotel is available for $15 There will be complimentary shuttle service provided between the hotel and the Bauer Estate.
