Hearst Castle

San Simeon, CA

Complete restoration and rewiring of the exterior lighting system of the historic Hearst Castle, originally designed by architect Julia Morgan and built by William Randolph Hearst throughout the 1930s and 1940s. The restoration project included replacement of deteriorating lighting and electrical wiring systems throughout the castle and surrounding gardens. This project enabled the State to offer the very popular Evening Sunset Tours at night. Restoration work on statues and other historic structures was performed to National Park Services “Standards of Rehabilitation”. These standards require a meticulous attention to detail and delicate care was not to harm artifacts that were being restored. Thoma Electric worked extensively with museum curatorial staff to remove finishes and conceal raceways to restore “Hermes” statues, marble posts and marble “swan lights” with energy efficient lighting. Additionally, Thoma Electric discretely placed supplemental lighting for visitor safety where necessary.