Historic Palisades Villa That Sheltered Nazi-Era Exiles Reopens After Wildfire

PACIFIC PALISADES, CA — A historic villa that became a gathering place for German writers and artists fleeing the Nazis has reopened after narrowly escaping destruction in the Palisades Fire, the Guardian reported.

Novelist Lion Feuchtwanger bought Villa Aurora in 1943 and turned the hillside home into a cultural hub for German exiles, including Thomas Mann and Bertolt Brecht.

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Decades later, the villa survived the January 2025 wildfire as flames reached the edge of the property. Hundreds gathered Sunday as it resumed public events and artistic residencies.

Read more about Villa Aurora's history and reopening at the Guardian.