Day 35 of 365 Things To Do In Pasadena™ takes us to the Wrigley Mansion!
Curious where the Tournament of Roses annual Rose Parade magic begins?
The Wrigley Mansion in Pasadena, CA is the head quarters for the Tournament of Roses Associations Executive offices.
Once owned by chewing gum tycoon William Wrigley Jr., the Wrigley Mansion takes us back to Pasadena’s early architectural beginning, it is one of the many breathtaking estates that lined the streets of South Orange Grove Boulevard in the early 1900’s.
Built between 1906 and 1914, the interior of this marvelous estate features richly paneled rooms, inlaid marble floors and ornate molded plaster ceilings. After the passing of Mrs. Wrigley in 1958 the mansion and the land surrounding the home were donated to the city of Pasadena with the stipulation that they would be used as the Tournament of Roses Headquarters.
Free public tours of Tournament House, located at 391 S. Orange Grove Boulevard, are offered every Thursday, 2 – 4 pm between the months of February and August.
Among the highlights of the tour you see a one-of-a-kind Waterford rose bowl which was specially crafted for the centennial celebration of the Tournament of Roses; and the formal portrait of the reigning Rose Queen by Charis Studio of Pasadena. A few items of interest that are on display are the crowns and tiaras worn by former Rose Queens and Princesses as well as Rose Bowl related trophies and memorabilia.
As you tour the gardens of the home you’ll view the Centennial Rose Garden which features the All-America Rose Selections (AARS) award-winning Tournament of Roses rose that was developed especially for the Tournament of Roses Centennial. Surrounding the mansion are the Wrigley Gardens, which feature a 4½-acre floral display of more than 1,500 varieties of roses, camellias and annuals.
The house is closed to the public in September, but its rooms are still filled with activity and excitement, as volunteers and staff prepare for the fun and festivities that take will take place New Year’s Day!
For additional information on tour schedules and time please call 626-449-4100.
Have you taken the tour at the Wrigley Mansion
Visit 365 Things To Do In Pasadena® for more fun activities in Pasadena California and surrounding neighborhoods.
