Sunnylands Center & Gardens, Palm Desert, California

Opened in 2012, the Center is 17,000sq. ft., with glass walls, blurring inside and out,  clerestory windows, floating walls and lava stone the same as that in their  historic home.  

 Both Lenore and Walter Annenberg were Ambassadors of the United States and this was their winter home, now used by world leaders as a Retreat and called 'Camp David of the West'. An award winning film tells about the estate's history.

 The Great Room makes you feel you are one with the outside and display changing exhibitions from the extensive Sunnylands Collection. 

There are media stations providing in-depth information about the history, sustainability, art collections, architecture retreats and meetings, and health and wellness. The Interactive Gallery has changing displays.

The 9.5 acre Gardens have over 70 species of native and drought resistant pants arranged in single-specimen beds. They are layered to create visual interest through colour, texture and light with seasonal bloom cycles all year. There are paths to wander, a labyrinth to walk,

 a wildflower field attracting birds and wildlife, the US/China Friendship Bench,  reflecting pools and more.

 There is a quiet peaceful vibe throughout.