Blue Gold: The Power & Privilege of Water
June 2-November 7, 2022
While the Bay Area was originally financed by gold, California has an even more valuable resource: water, California’s blue gold.
Dive into the Experience!
Take a seat, and take a side!
Pick up a recreated 1908 newspaper in the Reception Room to learn more about each character in California’s water rate debate.
Succulents in the Sunken
Our seasonal garden display highlights a palette of plants that are more appropriate for the dry Bay Area climate, including succulents and salvias.
How do you draw water?
Step up to an easel in the Ballroom and paint water as you see it.
Irrigation Information
In the Production Garden, Filoli offers easy tips for making the most of your home irrigation system.
Go for a water walk.
Start your Estate Trail hike at Fault Creek Bridge, where you can hear a recording of the rushing creek during wetter times.
Exploring the Power and Privilege of Water at Filoli
"Filoli visitors will see that you don’t have to compromise beauty to use water-conscious plants," says Jim Salyards[, Director of Horticulture]. “We hope our visitors will be inspired and excited to do the same in their own homes and gardens.”
The changing climate and landscape is one that any Californian can relate to, and our most valuable resource is at the heart of it. The Blue Gold exhibition is one for the past, present, and future that Filoli is eager to share with the Bay Area and beyond. Learn more about the ongoing exhibition from Manager of Interpretation & Learning Experiences, Willa Brock.
This project is supported by the Interpretation and Education Fund of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, an endowed fund made possible by a challenge grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.