Publication Date:

November 30, 2007

The Annenberg Foundation Trust at Sunnylands announced plans today to build a Visitor Center in Rancho Mirage, California. The Trust was established in 2001 by residents Walter and Leonore Annenberg to advance public understanding of and appreciation for democracy, and to help address serious issues facing the country and the world. The Center will host conferences consistent with its mission, and will have exhibits open to the general public.

Award-winning architect Frederick Fisher of Los Angeles was chosen to design the 15,000 square foot structure which will be located on property adjoining the Annenberg's estate, "Sunnylands." The estate is noteworthy as an exemplar of mid century modernist architecture designed by the legendary architect  A. Quincy Jones, and as the home of the distinguished couple who created and furnished it with some of the nation's finest art and sculpture. The Center will be located on the west side of Bob Hope Drive, on 15 acres of a 68 acre parcel of land that Mrs. Annenberg has deeded to the Trust.

Since its founding, the Trust has conducted programs involving Supreme Court Justices, sponsored a bi-partisan retreat of the U.S. House of Representatives and hosted a seminar for the California Congressional delegation.  In November, the Trust convened an international summit of current and former female heads of state from around the world in New York City.

The opening of the Center is scheduled for November 2011.