CLASSES & EVENTS
Robinson Gardens plays host to various fabulous events all year round. Most famous for our annual Garden Tour, the Friends of Robinson Gardens hosts lectures, art classes, book clubs, and many diverse events guaranteed to pique your interest. In addition, the Los Angeles County Parks & Recreation Department offers courses that invite you to explore the garden and discover the beauty within this magical 6.2-acre estate. Please check back as we update our schedule regularly.
We look forward to seeing you in the garden!
Docent Led Tours
Explore the sights and sounds of The Virginia Robinson Gardens guided by one of our master storytellers, a.k.a. docents! We offer several different tours: Historical Tours, Behind The Scenes Tours, and Garden Tours. All tours are offered by registration only.
For more information please see our 'Visit' page.
Visit
Beginner Watercolor Class
Join artist Jennifer Cunningham and explore beginner-level illustration and watercolor painting at The Virginia Robinson Gardens. Learn step-by-step instructions on basic drawing and various watercolor techniques to create your painting. Whether you have never picked up a paintbrush or are a seasoned watercolorist, we invite you to take part in this class in our beautiful gardens! We will provide all materials.
$35 Members | $40 Non-Members
Thursday, December 12 - 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Thursday, January 23 - 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Friday, January 31 - 10:00 am - 12:30 pm
Register 12/12 Register 1/23 Register 1/31
Level-up your Watercolor Skill!
Join Rachel Berkowitz and use basic techniques to nurture your own personal painting style. As you paint your botanical specimen, focus on composition, color, and creative expression. Basic paint skills are required.
All materials are provided, but feel free to bring your own.
$35 Members | $40 Non-Members
Saturday, January 11 - 1:00 - 3:30 pm
Register
Mindfulness Walk
Join us for a mindful walk through the gardens. We will begin by setting our intentions, learning about the importance of mindfulness, and doing a short breathing meditation. Then we will do a walking meditation, mindfully engage four of our five senses, learn about reactive and non-reactive approaches to life through flower observation, and finish with a relational mindfulness practice. This workshop will be taught by Karen Sisman, who is a graduate of the Meditation and Mindfulness Teacher Training from the School of Positive Transformation and a graduate of Dr. Tal ben Shahar's Happiness Studies Academy.
$35 per Person
Tuesday, December 17 - 10:00 - 11:30 am
Tuesday, January 21 - 10:00 - 11:30 am
Register
Tea, Scones & Gardens Book Club
Please join us as we delve into William Mulholland and the Rise of Los Angeles. William Mulholland presided over the creation of a water system that forever changed the course of southern California's history. Mulholland, a self-taught engineer, was the chief architect of the Owens Valley Aqueduct―a project ranking in magnitude and daring with the Panama Canal―that brought water to semi-arid Los Angeles from the lush Owens Valley. The story of Los Angeles's quest for water is both famous and notorious.
Catherine Mulholland, the engineer's granddaughter, provides insights into this story that family familiarity affords. She scrutinizes Mulholland's life―from his childhood in Ireland to his triumphant completion of the Owens Valley Aqueduct to the tragedy that ended his career. This vivid portrait of a rich chapter in the history of Los Angeles is enhanced with a generous selection of previously unpublished photographs.
$20 Members | $25 Non-Members
Saturday, December 21 - 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Register
Meditative Walk
Come “bathe” in the nature of Virginia Robinson’s beautiful gardens! Inspired by the Japanese practice of “Shinrin-Yoku” which translates literally to “bathing in the forest atmosphere” we will immerse ourselves in the wonders of nature. Through guided and open-ended Invitations which engage your senses, we’ll connect with the simplicity and beauty surrounding us. Participating in this two hour, slow-paced walk covering no more than a half mile of garden paths and stairs may elicit a grounding and calming response by reducing your cortisol levels. Other benefits include an increase in memory, attention and production of Natural Killer (NK) white blood cells. Connect with nature, yourself and the present moment in this playful, healing practice!
$45 per Person
Saturday, December 21 - 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Register
Sound Bowl Healing Meditation
Devon Cunningham invites you to embark on a meditative journey with her that consists of pure relaxation through a sound bowl healing meditation. The sound bowls activate and energize chakras within your body and work with your individual needs and intentions to align and create a deeper connection internally. Sound bowl healing meditation benefits include relieving stress, anxiety, insomnia, and will also enhance your state.
$35 per Person
Friday, January 10 - 1:00 - 2:30 pm
Saturday, January 25 - 10:00 am- 12:30 pm
Register
Gratitude Class
Gratitude is a powerful tool for cultivating happiness. Join Karen Sisman on a journey of appreciation and gratitude. This workshop will include a deep understanding of the connection between gratitude and happiness, practical techniques for cultivating gratitude in everyday life, a gratitude walk through the garden, and a mindfulness practice. Karen is a graduate of the Meditation and Mindfulness Teacher Training Program of the School of Positive Transformation and of Dr. Tal ben Shahar’s Happiness Studies Academy.
$35 per Person
Tuesday, January 14 - 10:00 - 11:30 am
Register
Beginner American Mahjong Class
Join our class for beginners or experienced players who would like a refresher course. Shauna Cowett of One More Mahj, a mahjong teacher certified by Mahjong Molly, will start with a short history of American Mahjong, talk about the necessary game pieces and the official National Mahjong League card. After learning the basic goals, rules and strategies, you will start playing with others.
No need to bring anything except a willingness to learn and have fun! You’ll begin to develop a skill for a game that can provide a lifetime of camaraderie and enjoyment!
$80 Members | $90 Non-Members
Thursday, January 30 - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Register
Lessons from The Pool Pavilion at The Virginia Robinson Gardens
The Pool Pavilion is the crowning structure in the Virginia Robinson Gardens. This small structure defines a pivotal moment in the history of Beverly Hills. Landmarked in the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 and the City of Beverly Hills, the exterior of the building and significant interior space is entirely intact, providing lessons in site planning, architectural precedent, and the building arts for students of all ages. Tickets include entry to the Max Hooper Schneider exhibit.
Tim founded Tim Barber Architects in 1994 and has designed over 250 renovated and new homes across the United States. His work includes the restoration of the indoor natatorium at the DTLA Jonathan Club, a LEED Gold certified residence in Studio City and the award-winning conversion of the Richter Seismic Laboratory in Pasadena to a single-family residence. He is Co-Founder and former President of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art (ICAA) – Southern California Chapter. He earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Cincinnati in 1978 and a master’s degree in Historical & Sustainable Architecture from New York University London in 2023.
Includes lecture and light brunch