Guided Tour of the Virginia Robinson Gardens and Home

Join the Los Angeles City Historical Society for a special tour of the Virginia Robinson Gardens, a unique historic estate and cultural jewel that transports the visitor back to the birthplace of Beverly Hills. Built in 1911, it was once the residence of retail giants Virginia and Harry Robinson (of the Robinson department stores) and now occupies an illustrious place in history as the first luxury estate built in Beverly Hills. (More details below.)

The event includes a talk on the history of the Virginia Robison Gardens and the life of Virginia Robinson, as well as an exclusive docent-led tour through the famous mansion's buildings, and the historical garden paradise. The talk will last approximately 45 minutes with 15 minutes reserved for questions and bathroom break, followed by a roughly 60 minute tour of the gardens.

LACHS Members: $10
Non-Members: $15

Capacity is limited. Membership status will be verified for LACHS member tickets. If you are not a member yet, you can join the Los Angeles City Historical Society here: https://www.lacityhistory.org/support

ALL SALES FINAL

If you are unable to attend once you've made your reservation, please let us know as soon as possible as there will be a waitlist.

Tickets sold will benefit the Los Angeles City Historical Society. There will also be an optional donation to the Virginia Robinson Gardens.

If you have questions about the event, please email us at lacityhistoryevents@gmail.com.

LOCATION:

1008 Elden Way

Beverly Hills, California 90210

PARKING

Parking is very limited. We encourage attendees to carpool or use Uber/Lyft where possible. Please arrive 15 minutes early to the gate at 1008 Elden Way. Once you enter the gate, you will drive your car inside the property to the parking lot reserved especially for our visitors.

Please note: There is NO PARKING on Elden Way.

SAFETY NOTES

The tour involves stairs on several graded paths, so for safety reasons, the paths are not accessible for wheelchairs, strollers, walkers, and canes. Guests unable to navigate the tour paths are welcome to view the gardens from specific overlook points. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

AMENTIES

There is no snack bar or cafe on site. Guests are enouraged to bring water, though there will be water on site should you need.

ABOUT THE VIRGINIA ROBINSON GARDENS

The Virginia Robinson Gardens is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is open by appointment to the public. Located behind the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel, the beautiful six-acre property contains a breathtaking display garden, mansion and pool pavilion. A favorite destination for both local and international visitors, the property attracts a varied audience, from those interested in the history of Los Angeles and Beverly Hills to people who appreciate beautiful gardens and traditional design. In addition, it is a dynamic location for photo shoots with dramatic settings such as the awe-inspiring Australian King Palm Forest, the bucolic Rose Garden and the tranquil Italian Terrace Garden.

The immediate beauty of the property is just one of the estate's many fascinating attributes. The Robinson Gardens was once the site of lavish Hollywood parties. Mrs. Robinson was known as the first lady of Beverly Hills and her triumphs as a hostess are legendary: her diverse guests included royalty such as the Duke and Duchess of Windsor to Hollywood stars like Marlene Dietrich and Fred Astaire; her neighbors were Glenn Ford, Lillian Disney and Elvis Presley. She sipped champagne cocktails with Sophia Loren and challenged Charlie Chaplin to a spirited game of tennis - all with her signature elegance and class.

She was equally renowned for her philanthropy. Among the many benefits she hosted, the Hollywood Bowl Patronesses Benefit was a favorite. Each year, after the opening of the Hollywood Bowl season, the orchestra would repeat their performance on the estate's Great Lawn, to the delight of her guests. Shortly before her death in 1977, Mrs. Robinson bequeathed her estate to Los Angeles County. The County, along with the not-for-profit organization Friends of Robinson Gardens, preserve the estate for future generations to enjoy.

More information can be found here: https://www.robinsongardens.org/