Los Angeles Will Honor Wallis Annenberg With Annual Day of Recognition

Los Angeles is honoring the legacy of philanthropist Wallis Annenberg with a special annual day of recognition, celebrating her decades of influence on the region’s cultural, educational, environmental, and civic institutions.

City and county officials recently announced that July 15 will be observed as Wallis Annenberg Day across Los Angeles County and in the cities of Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and Beverly Hills. The recognition comes less than a year after Annenberg’s death in July 2025. Notably, the date also marks what would have been her birthday.

Over the course of her life, Annenberg helped shape Southern California through philanthropy. She directed billions of dollars toward arts, education, healthcare, conservation, animal welfare, and community development. As president and CEO of the Annenberg Foundation, she led major charitable initiatives that transformed Los Angeles’ cultural landscape and strengthened organizations across the region.

Her impact remains visible throughout Southern California. The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Wallis Annenberg GenSpace, and the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing all carry her name. In addition, her support helped museums, universities, medical centers, and environmental programs expand their reach and services.

Community leaders say the annual observance will keep Annenberg’s legacy alive and inspire future generations. They also note that support from Los Angeles County and several local cities reflects the wide reach of her influence.

Born into the Annenberg publishing family, she went on to become one of America’s most influential philanthropists. Under her leadership, the Annenberg Foundation funded thousands of nonprofit organizations. As a result, communities gained greater access to education, arts programs, and essential public services.

Annenberg died in July 2025 at the age of 86 after complications from lung cancer. However, her legacy continues to shape Los Angeles through the institutions, programs, and public spaces she helped build and support.

With the creation of Wallis Annenberg Day, residents will have a yearly opportunity to celebrate her contributions. Ultimately, the recognition honors a philanthropist whose generosity and vision helped shape modern Los Angeles and continues to inspire the region today.