Guadalupe, California: DeMille's 10 Commandments Buried Here
After shooting his 1923 Biblical silent movie, director Cecil B. DeMille had the "City of Pharaohs" set buried in a giant sand dune. Relics from the 1920s and fake Ancient Egypt were excavated and are on display.
Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center
- Address:
- 1065 Guadalupe Street, Guadalupe, CA
- Directions:
- Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center. NW of Santa Maria on Coastal Hwy 1.
- Hours:
- W-Su 10-4 or by appt. (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
- Phone:
- 805-343-2455
- RA Rates:
- Worth a Detour
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Fantastic 20th Century archeology and cultural find. Excellent venue with helpful staff and wonderful exhibits.
[Steve Sechrist, 09/11/2013]Nearby Offbeat Places
Luffa Farm, Nipomo, CA - 5 mi.
Photo Spot of Famous Depression Mom, Nipomo, CA - 7 mi.
Swinging Bridge, Arroyo Grande, CA - 10 mi.In the region:
Clint the Cowboy Tree Statue, Pismo Beach, CA - 14 mi.
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The Dunes Center contains an exhibit on silent era Hollywood artifacts unearthed in the sand where director Cecil B. DeMille had his 1923 Bible epic set buried after shooting. The City of Pharoahs was the largest set ever built (720 ft. wide, 120 feet tall, 10 acres). Lost for almost 70 years under a dune until sleuthing film fans found it; efforts to preserve and excavate continue....