Nestled in the heart of Rancho Mirage, California, lies Sunnylands, a historic estate known for its breathtaking beauty and its role as a diplomatic retreat for presidents and world leaders. As an organization committed to helping long-term survivors overcome isolation, Let’s Kick ASS Palm Springs knows that a shared experience can be a powerful antidote. On September 13th, we organized a Sunnylands tour for AIDS Survivors, an open-air experience to this very special place. We subsidized the cost of the tickets to ensure everyone could join.
Our adventure began with a ride in a comfortable, seven-person golf cart for the open-air tour. Since our group was large, we organized three separate tours to ensure everyone had a spot. Our knowledgeable guides led us through the stunning landscape, sharing stories that brought the history and art of the Annenbergs’ home to life. The tour was an opportunity to engage with history and with each other, uncovering fascinating secrets behind every corner.
with our student guides
The Fountain of Art and History
Our first stop was in front of the main house, a stunning example of mid-century modern architecture. While we didn’t go inside, our guide explained the significance of the beautiful fountain that greets all who arrive. The sculpture, which serves as a central point of the arrival court, is a 20-foot bronze fountain created by the renowned Mexican brothers José and Tomás Chávez Morado.
This piece has a wonderful story. In 1967, the Annenbergs were captivated by a massive 40-foot version of the same sculpture, known as “El Paraguas” (The Umbrella), at the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City. They were so moved by its narrative relief, which tells the history of Mexico, that they commissioned the brothers to create a half-scale version just for their estate. It is a stunning welcome and a perfect example of their deep appreciation for art and history.
A Sanctuary for Nature and Notables
After our stop at the main house, our tour continued through the expansive and beautifully manicured grounds, home to several serene, man-made lakes. Our guide explained that the Annenbergs created this area as a sanctuary for both resident and migratory birds. It was here that our guide pointed out a magnificent crane, which was likely nesting in one of the nearby towering eucalyptus trees—a wonderful reminder that the estate is a home not just for great works of art, but for nature as well.
As we moved along, we saw a striking sculpture with a perfect name: “Birds of Welcome.” This bronze and aluminum piece was created by Canadian artist Art Price in 1971. The Annenbergs were so captivated by a similar work at the Gander International Airport in Newfoundland that they commissioned their own version. The sculpture, with its abstract, bird-like forms, was a fitting expression of the hospitality that the Annenbergs famously extended to their guests.
It was on these lakes that our guide shared a funny and memorable anecdote about President George H.W. Bush. An avid fisherman, President Bush reportedly caught as many as 50 fish in a single day. Given the Annenbergs’ catch-and-release policy, the joke among staff was that the President simply kept reeling in the same fish over and over again—a lighthearted moment that perfectly captures the relaxed atmosphere of this historic estate.
It was also in this peaceful landscape that we learned a more personal fact about the Annenbergs. Our guide pointed out a spot across the lake where their private mausoleum is located on the estate grounds. This beautiful and final resting place is a powerful reminder that this grand home was not just a diplomatic retreat but the place where they are buried.
The Presidential Palms and a Living Legacy
As we continued our tour, we heard the story of the Eisenhower Palms. On a visit, President Dwight D. Eisenhower jokingly asked the Annenbergs why they didn’t have any palm trees, given their location in Palm Springs. In a testament to their friendship, the Annenbergs planted these two unique trees specifically for him.
We then saw a truly impressive totem pole on the golf course, a piece commissioned by the Annenbergs in 1976. It was created by master Kwakiutl carver Henry Hunt of British Columbia, Canada. The figures carved into the pole are not simply decorative; they represent the hereditary crests and family history of the Hunt family, passed down through generations. This beautiful piece highlights the Annenbergs’ global interest in art and culture.
The Guest Cottages and Personal Stories
As our tour continued towards the guest cottages, our guide pointed out a striking Chinese pagoda in the middle of a field. This was one of Leonore Annenberg’s favorite spots on the property, where she would frequently host intimate luncheons for her guests.
In the distance, we could also see a beautiful magnolia tree. Our guide told us that this tree holds an incredible legacy: President Richard Nixon brought a cutting from the historic magnolia at the White House and had it planted at Sunnylands. This tree, originally planted by President Andrew Jackson in memory of his late wife, is now a living piece of national history thriving in the desert.
A Shared Experience to Combat Isolation
As our tour concluded and we headed back to the museum to welcome the next LKAPS tour group, we reflected on the day’s journey. The open-air tour of Sunnylands was a perfect example of our mission in action. At Let’s Kick ASS Palm Springs, we know that sharing an experience like this helps long-term survivors reduce the stress and isolation of AIDS Survivor Syndrome. This trip gave our group an opportunity to build friendships and community by sharing in conversation and creating new memories. Our mission is to help people with AIDS Survivor Syndrome feel welcome and connected through social engagement, and this trip was a testament to that purpose.
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