This September, the California Preservation Foundation presents the 4th Annual Doors Open California, a statewide celebration offering exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to California’s most fascinating historic places. Over four weekends in September 2025, more than 70 sites — from hidden garden courtyards and museum vaults to private architectural gems — will open for rare discovery. For only $20, attendees enjoy unlimited access to all participating sites during their chosen weekend.
Behind-the-Scenes, Once-a-Year Access
Doors Open California is a once-a-year invitation to step inside spaces typically closed to the public — backstage corridors, attics and archives, rooftops with skyline views, and rare access to special collections or private homes. Visitors meet caretakers, architects, historians, and volunteers who keep these places alive, and hear stories that don’t make it onto plaques.
What Others Are Saying about Doors Open California
“Pay $20 and enjoy a variety of ‘Doors Open California’ stops, with tours, talks, and special events dotting the weekend calendar.” — NBC Los Angeles (Alysia Gray Painter), Sept 8, 2023
“[Doors Open is] for those who care about beautiful, historical, innovative, or even oddball places.” — Eichler Network, May 18, 2022
South Pasadena: Local Highlights
Among the special and exclusive sites welcoming Doors Open visitors in South Pasadena this year are:
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Treasures Unlocked: South Pasadena’s Attic — The South Pasadena Historical Museum is a little-known gem that has been illuminating local history for close to 40 years, housed in the oldest building in town (1886). Docents is on hand to introduce visitors to special and unusual objects in the collection and archives. Situated at the South Pasadena station on the Metro A line, the museum is easy to find and located in a National Register-listed local commercial district that’s ideal for a weekend stroll.
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9/13-9/14 | Treasures Unlocked: South Pasadena’s Attic | South Pasadena
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9/13 | Adobe Resurrection: Michael White’s Legacy | San Marino
- 9/14 | Prairie Style Secret: The Blinn House| Pasadena
Tickets & Info
Tickets and full details are available at californiapreservation.org/doca. Follow #DOCA25 for updates, photos, and giveaways.
