Pasadena Museum of History

San Gabriel Valley
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Pasadena Wedding Location
470 West Walnut Street
Pasadena, CA
Contact: Special Events
Phone: 626/577-1660 x17
www.pasadenahistory.org
Request a proposal for your event from Pasadena Museum of History

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Why We Like This Place

If you were living in Southern California around the turn of the century, you would consider an invitation to dine at one of the splendid mansions on Pasadena’s “Millionaires’ Row” a significant social achievement. Here is where the worldly and wealthy congregated, artists and musicians sought patronage, and decorators and architects achieved some of their loveliest triumphs. A century later, you can experience the full flowering of that gracious era by celebrating at the Fenyes Mansion, an Edwardian landmark set amidst two wooded acres.

Designed in 1905 by noted architect Robert Farquhar for the Hungarian nobleman Dr. Fenyes and his wife Eva, the mansion quickly became a gathering place for the cultural elite. Mrs. Fenyes was a respected plein air artist and her husband an art lover, so they held regular “salons”—famous actors performed, painters set their easels on the lawn, and renowned musicians entertained.

Today the Fenyes Mansion is the centerpiece of the Pasadena Museum of History, where special events capture a feeling of nostalgic grandeur. The home’s pearl-white façade is accented with ornate balustraded balconies and a columned portico typical of the Beaux-Arts style. So impressive is the Fenyes Mansion that it doubled as the White House in the Emmy-winning TV movie Eleanor & Franklin, and recently appeared in the Hugh Jackman/Christian Bale period drama, The Prestige.

You can use the site to create your own drama, beginning in the landmark home’s gorgeous rear gardens. Meticulously landscaped lawns bordered by sapphire-hued agapanthus and other vibrant blooms are juxtaposed against lush bowers of tropical plants, fed by a flowing brook and rock waterfall. A long pathway makes a spectacular wedding aisle, as it stretches beneath a filigree of tree branches before reaching the mansion’s magnificent staircase, which is almost palatial in size. As guests on the adjacent lawns watch the couple exchange vows on the broad steps, the bride feels like the heroine in a romance novel.

Cocktail hours on the North Patio evoke Gilded Age gentility, while receptions make the most of the refreshing garden atmosphere. With twinkle lights, Japanese lanterns and moonlight providing a romantic evening glow, and the stunning mansion in the background, celebrations take on a timeless and magical aura.

During the cooler months, small ceremonies can be held indoors in either of two distinctive settings: The Giddings Room, located near the museum galleries, has a contemporary ambiance softened by a wall of glass that looks directly onto the garden. Alternatively, intimate gatherings take on a vintage French élan in the drawing room of the Curtin House, another of the museum’s historic buildings.

Even if you aren’t planning a special event, this is one museum that should be on everyone’s “must see” list.

Capacity

Ceremony

Reception/Special Events

Meetings

Max. Seated Indoors: 60
Max. Seated Outdoors:

Max. Seated Indoors: 60
Max. Seated Outdoors: 200
Max. Standing Indoors: 60
Max. Standing Outdoors: 200

Max. Seated: 200

CEREMONY CAPACITY: The Rear Garden holds 200 seated or standing guests. The Giddings Room and the Curtin House Drawing Room hold 40 seated guests.

EVENT/RECEPTION & MEETING CAPACITY: The Rear Garden holds 200 seated or standing guests.

Fees & Deposits

A $1,000 nonrefundable deposit is required to reserve your date, the balance is due 30 days prior to the event. Rental fees range $3,000–4,500 depending on space rented. Security may be required. Meeting rooms are available starting at $250; call for details.

Availability

Year-round, daily, anytime.

Catering

BYO

Alcohol

BYO

Sites Uses

Ceremonies
Wedding Receptions
Special Events, Parties
Business Functions/Meetings
Rehearsal Dinners

Services/Amenities

Catering: BYO
Kitchen Facilities: none
Tables & Chairs: BYO
Linens, Silver, etc.: BYO
Restrooms: wheelchair accessible
Dance Floor: patio
Bride's & Groom's Dressing Area: provided
Meeting Equipment: some available
Parking: lot and street parking
Accommodations: no guestrooms
Telephone: emergency use only
Outdoor Night Lighting: minimal
Outdoor Cooking Facilities: BYO
Cleanup: through caterer
View: garden, landscaped grounds

Amplified Music

Indoors
Outdoors

Wheelchair Access

Wheelchair Accessible

Site Views

Garden
Landscaped Grounds

Site Type

Museum
Bed & Breakfast
Historic/Landmark Building
Community Center/Civic Bldg
Banquet/Events Facility
Garden

Restrictions

Alcohol: BYO, licensed server
Smoking: outside only
Music: amplified OK with restrictions
Wheelchair Access: yes
Insurance: liability required
Other: no rice or confetti

Contact: Special Events
626/577-1660 x17
www.pasadenahistory.org
Email or request a proposal for your event from Pasadena Museum of History

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