Perched above the Pacific in San Clemente, Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens has long been a place where culture unfolds at an unhurried pace. As 2026 begins, the historic estate opens its gates to a thoughtfully curated winter season that blends contemporary art, live music, family programming, and sensory experiences designed to bring the community together. For readers of Fine Homes and Living, this is the kind of refined yet welcoming calendar that turns a casual visit into a cherished ritual.
The January and February lineup reflects Casa Romantica’s signature balance of beauty and purpose. From visually arresting exhibitions that explore our relationship with the natural world to intimate concerts in the Main Salon, the coming months promise experiences that feel both elevated and accessible. Whether you arrive with children in tow or plan a cultured date afternoon overlooking the sea, Casa Romantica invites you to begin the year inspired.
New Exhibitions That Invite Reflection and Discovery
Mid January marks the opening of two new exhibitions that set a contemplative tone for the season. In the Art Gallery, acclaimed Vietnamese American artist Ann Phong presents Making Peace with the Earth, a mixed media collection that explores environmental conservation through expressive color and texture. Phong’s work is deeply personal, shaped by her journey from Saigon to Southern California and her decades-long artistic practice. Using found materials and layered surfaces, her pieces prompt viewers to consider humanity’s shared responsibility to the planet while finding moments of hope and resilience.
In the Studio, San Clemente painter John Cosby unveils a new series of plein air paintings that capture California’s coastal light with remarkable sensitivity. His works celebrate familiar landscapes through subtle shifts of color and atmosphere, offering a quiet counterpoint to the bold statements in the main gallery. Together, the two exhibitions create a dialogue between global environmental themes and the intimate beauty of the local coastline. Both shows open on January 15 and remain on view through early March, with an evening reception that allows guests to meet fellow art lovers in a relaxed setting.
Music That Elevates the Historic Main Salon
Music has always played a central role at Casa Romantica, and the winter season continues that tradition with performances that feel tailor-made for the estate’s elegant interiors. The Romantica Piano Quartet, the center’s resident ensemble, returns for a special evening concert in January. Their performance in the Main Salon offers an immersive listening experience, where classical music resonates against the backdrop of historic architecture and ocean air.
Morning concerts also return with the popular Coffee Concerts series in partnership with High Tide Coffee. These intimate Friday gatherings pair live music with the simple pleasure of a warm cup of coffee, transforming the start of the day into something memorable. Members enjoy complimentary admission, reinforcing Casa Romantica’s commitment to building a close knit cultural community.
February brings a distinctly European flair with a French wine and jazz tasting experience featuring curated pairings and live musical excerpts. The following evening expands the celebration with a full length jazz concert, complete with valet parking and a pre show cocktail reception. These evenings are designed for those who appreciate life’s finer details and the pleasure of savoring them slowly.
Family Friendly Sundays and Creative Kids Programs
Casa Romantica’s appeal extends well beyond adult audiences, making it a rare destination where multigenerational visits feel effortless. Free Family Sundays return in early January, offering complimentary admission and hands-on creative activities inspired by storybooks and seasonal themes. In February, the celebration takes on added color with a Lunar New Year event featuring a lively lion dance and festive crafts. Traditional red envelopes add a playful element, delighting younger guests while introducing cultural traditions in an engaging way.
Additional children’s programs throughout the season encourage curiosity and creativity, from open ended art crafting sessions to science focused workshops that explore the natural world. These thoughtfully designed offerings allow families to share meaningful experiences in an environment that feels both educational and joyful.
Gardens Workshops and Experiences for Curious Minds
Beyond galleries and concert halls, Casa Romantica’s gardens remain a living classroom. Throughout January and February, visitors can connect with UC Master Gardeners who volunteer their expertise during scheduled garden hours. Whether you are an experienced home gardener or simply curious about coastal plants, these informal conversations offer practical insights rooted in sustainability.
Creative adults will also find plenty to enjoy. Sip and paint sessions, book club meetings, and guided wine strolls through the historic estate encourage guests to slow down and engage with the space in new ways. These experiences transform Casa Romantica from a place you visit into a place you participate in.
A Winter Season Designed to Bring People Together
As the new year unfolds, Casa Romantica stands out as a cultural refuge where art, music, and community intersect. The winter programming reflects a thoughtful understanding of what today’s audiences seek: meaningful experiences that inspire conversation and connection. For locals and visitors alike, the estate offers a compelling reason to return again and again, discovering something new with each visit.
With exhibitions that challenge perspectives, concerts that stir emotion, and family events that create lasting memories, Casa Romantica begins 2026 with a sense of purpose and warmth. It is a reminder that culture thrives not only in grand gestures, but in shared moments spent together overlooking the Pacific.
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