Villa Aurora

Villa Aurora is a Spanish Colonial Revival home in Pacific Palisades featuring wooden ceilings imported from Spain and a Renaissance fountain from Tuscany. The house combines Mediterranean design with California craftsmanship and now operates as an international artists' residence program.

The house was built in 1927 as a demonstration property by the Los Angeles Times but was purchased in 1943 by writer Lion Feuchtwanger and his wife Marta. Their acquisition marked the beginning of its role as a cultural center for German exiles.

The residence served as a refuge for German writers and artists fleeing persecution during the Nazi era. Today, the collection of books and personal belongings reflects the exile experience and the intellectual community that gathered here.

The house welcomes visitors by appointment for guided tours and hosts regular cultural events throughout the year. It is best to arrange a visit in advance to ensure access and learn about upcoming programs.

The house features decorative tiles from the Malibu Tile Company, a local studio known for creating Arts and Crafts designs with California themes. This partnership between architecture and local craftsmanship makes the building a distinctive example of regional style from that era.