CASA ROMANTICA CULTURAL CENTER AND GARDENS

Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the historic and environmental splendor of Southern California. The building was first constructed in 1927 by San Clemente's original founder, Ole Hanson. In the years that followed, the 8,400 square foot, seven bedroom and bathroom estate changed hands over half a dozen times. In 1989, after sustaining a lengthy period of misuse and deterioration, the home was purchased by the City of San Clemente. Two years later, approval was obtained to list the dwelling on the National Registrar of Historic Places. A decade later, an anonymous donor generously endowed capital to begin a complete renovation of the property. It was then that the non-profit organization Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens was formed, for the purpose of raising additional capital and overseeing the renovation. In 2003, Casa Romantica opened its doors to the public for the first time. Today, Casa Romantica serves to fulfill the community's vision of supporting a multidisciplinary arts and cultural center serving all of Orange County. Thanks to our dedicated staff, esteemed board of directors and devoted volunteers, Casa Romantica hosts myriad cultural and artistic events throughout the year, including poetry readings, garden workshops, jazz and classical music concerts, traveling historical and artistic exhibitions, donor cultivation events featuring local entertainment, and educational seminars and lectures offered through our many community partnerships. Our many programs and events are consistently well received by the community. We also provide multiple educational opportunities tailored towards underprivileged children within our local school district in line with the S.T.E.A.M. (science, technology, engineering, art and math) philosophy of education. Integral to our mission is our service to the community – endeavoring to provide opportunities for all to enjoy the history, culture and environmental beauty that the Casa has to offer. Casa Romantica’s vision for the future is to continue to strengthen the culture of our community by serving as a premier destination for patrons of the arts and stewards of the environment.