Explore Balboa Park

02/19/2021

Get out and enjoy some sunshine this Saturday (2/20) with the San Diego Air & Space Museum for safe and easy family fun! ✈️ ✨

Unplug for an afternoon in the newly renovated #BalboaPark Palisades with ample space to spread out and enjoy the #SanDiego sun, grab a beverage from the #SDASM coffee cart, and pick up a STEM kit from their gift shop.

Packed with engaging hands-on activities, the STEM kits are designed to provide children ages 6-10 with fun things to do, see, and explore. Find them there from 10 am - 4 pm on Saturday, February 20, 2021.

Learn more at sandiegoairandspace.org/calendar/event/stem-saturdays-in-the-park

Now launching: STEM Saturday in the Park! Unplug for some family fun in the sun with a curated experience kit from the Museum gift shop, including hands-on STEM activities geared towards children ages 6-10. For more information, visit: https://sandiegoairandspace.org/calendar/event/stem-saturdays-in-the-park

02/17/2021

Virtual Explorer Experience with Makeda 'Dread' Cheatom at the WorldBeat Cultural Center

In this Virtual Explorer Experience, Makeda 'Dread' Cheatom, founder and executive director of the WorldBeat Cultural Center in Balboa Park welcomes us inside as she talks about the Center’s approach in raising awareness of African and Indigenous world cultures and inclusiveness.

Learn more about this amazing multicultural institution (and icon) that for nearly 40 years has welcomed all people to come and celebrate diversity and inclusion through art, music, food, and more!

And don't miss out on the WorldBeat Cultural Center's upcoming event on their page: Celebrating Black Scientists with Dr. Runoko Rashidi on February 17th and 20th from 7-8 p.m. for a 2 part virtual presentation on the contributions of black scientists.

See their virtual calendar event here: events.worldbeatcenter.org

Want to be part of future live Virtual Experiences? Explorer Experiences are exclusive tours and content for Balboa Park Explorer Annual Pass holders. Support the museums you love most and become an annual pass holder today at explorer.balboapark.org

Watch the video on Balboa Park's Youtube channel here: https://youtu.be/ZGeFSyGIGDM

02/14/2021

How are you celebrating this lovely day? Need some ideas? Well, you’re in luck — we have some sweet date ideas just for you!

♡ Take a romantic walk through Balboa Park’s historical Prado area for an amazing price of free! It’s hard to go wrong with a trip to the Park, the stunning views and ornate architecture are a perfect backdrop for a day of love.

♡ Are you and your loved one both nature lovers? If so, put on some comfy gear, fill your backpack with water and snacks and connect with nature on a nice, scenic hike on one of #BalboaPark’s many trails.

♡ Pack a picnic and watch the sunset with the one you love at one of Balboa Park’s many gardens! Or, just bring a blanket and pick up some delicious food and drinks to go from Daniel’s Coffee at Spanish Village, the Tea Pavilion, Panama 66’s To Go cart, or from the WorldBeat Cafe! However, if you prefer to have a dine-in with a great view of the California Tower and May S. Marcy Sculpture Court, Panama 66 restaurant is now open!

As always, plan and prepare by reviewing the Personal Safety Requirements by visiting: culturalpartnership.org/beforeyouvisit.

And for the latest updates and to check what is open in @BalboaPark, visit: culturalpartnership.org.

We wish you all a day full of love (and many more)! Happy Valentine’s Day!

02/01/2021

Balboa Park

Balboa Park

In celebration of #BlackHistoryMonth, the San Diego History Center has launched a new project: 'Celebrate San Diego: Black History & Heritage'.

This will be a digital and physical exhibit that San Diegans and beyond can enjoy online and in-person when the Center reopens.

Additionally, the San Diego History Center is seeking contributions from the public for an upcoming project that honors and documents #BlackHistory in the county. The community’s contributions will be added to its permanent collection so many generations can enjoy it for decades to come.

Check the San Diego History Center's website and social media channels to experience (and contribute) to this shared journey. 🖤

sandiegohistory.org/exhibition/celebratesd_blackhistoryheritage/

01/30/2021

On Monday, California health officials ended the state's regional stay-at-home order placing #SanDiegoCounty back into #PurpleTier for Covid-19 restrictions. For #BalboaPark, this means that indoor museum operations park-wide will remain temporarily closed, some venues are able to open.

We encourage you to check individual museum websites or social media channels for the latest information about their closure and re-opening status, as well as virtual offerings you can enjoy enjoy from home.

Now, here is what’s open:
• Visitors Center: Daily, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• San Diego Air & Space Museum - Gift Shop: Sat and Sun, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Japanese Friendship Garden: Open daily, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Last admission at 5 p.m.)
• WorldBeat Cultural Center Cafe: Open Fri through Sun, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
• United Nations International Gift Shop: Sat and Sun, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
• Prado Perk Coffee Cart: Mon & Tues 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Wed through Sun 9:30-4:30 p.m.
• Spanish Village Art Center - Balboa Park: Open daily, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Daniel's Coffee at Spanish Village: Open Tues through Sun 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed Mondays
• Panama 66 - Grab & Go Cart: Open Sun through Thurs, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Fri & Sat 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed on Wednesdays
• Panama 66 - Restaurant: Reopening Thursday, February 4th
• San Diego Zoo: Reopening Saturday, January 30th
•May S. Marcy Sculpture Garden: Reopening Saturday, January 30th

And don't forget! Most gardens, including miles of trails and open spaces are always open. Visitors are required to follow state and local safety guidelines regarding physical distancing and mask-wearing for a safe and enjoyable visit.

For the latest updates, visit https://www.culturalpartnership.org/updates.

01/20/2021

From last night: Honoring and remembering those who have lost their lives to the pandemic.

Thank you to the City of San Diego, Mayor Todd Gloria, and to the Museum of Us. ❤️

#COVIDMemorial #CaliforniaTower

Tonight, Balboa Park and the San Diego Convention Center join cities across the nation in mourning the loss of over 400,000 Americans to Coronavirus. In a moment of remembrance, reflection, and unity, the Museum and California Tower have been lit amber red. #COVIDMemorial

01/14/2021

Balboa Park

Balboa Park

Check out the video below featuring different Ukiyo-e (woodblock prints) from one of the permanent collections at the Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park!✨

01/12/2021

Kick-off your 2021 by rediscovering Balboa Park! Enjoy a self-guided run tour with The Run Down. Follow audio clues along a 3-mile route around the park, and see #BalboaPark like never before for a chance to score museum passes, lululemon running gear, and more!🌳🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️💫

Get the details on The Run Down app. Request your download link today at http://therundown.run/

01/12/2021

APA |SD & MOPA present: An Evening with Jason Lee

Join the Museum of Photographic Arts for an online event organized by APA San Diego and MOPA, which will be dedicated to Jason Lee's work and the recent release of his book “In The Gold Dust Rush.” ✨

When: Thursday, January 14 at 6 p.m.
Register today!: http://bit.ly/2N0cBp9

An Evening with Jason Lee

12/16/2020

Don't miss this fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the "Jewels of the Season", one of San Diego's most dazzling holiday traditions.✨

Join the San Diego Model Railroad Museum and Timken Museum of Art for an online lecture with Lynne Thompson, Timken's ornament specialist and personal friend of artisan Elizabeth Schlappi!

Thompson will discuss Jewel's artisans Florence Hord and Elizabeth Schlappi, the history of the ornaments, the designs and materials collected from around the world, how she came to inherit the jewels and ultimately donate them to the Timken.

When? Thursday, December 17, 2020, at 5 p.m.

This event is donation based. Reserve your spot at https://www.sdmrm.org/modelercitizens!

Don't miss the holiday grand finale of our Modeler Citizens Lecture Series!​

🚃 On 12/3, hear the fascinating tale of Walt Disney's half-mile-long backyard Carolwood Pacific Railroad from two Walt Disney's Carolwood Barn volunteers. ​
🎄 On 12/17, learn about the Timken Museum of Art's dazzling Jewels of the Season--the history and the sparkle--from Lynne Thompson, San Diego's foremost Jewels ornament specialist.​

Register at https://www.sdmrm.org/modelercitizens for as little as $1 & support the museum!

12/09/2020

Join the San Diego Air & Space Museum’s virtual Hall of Fame celebration on December 10, 2020! This year, the Museum will be honoring Tammie Jo Shults and Barbara Barrett.

Since 1963, the International Air & Space Hall of Fame has honored the world’s most significant pilots, crew members, visionaries, inventors, aerospace engineers, business leaders, preservationists, designers, and space explorers.

When? December 10, 2020, at 6 p.m.

Where: To receive the virtual event link, register here: https://sandiegoairandspace.org/calendar/hof2020-registration

Proceeds go towards the Museum's Youth Education Programs and COVID19 Recovery Fund.❤️

As an added bonus, all registered guests will be automatically entered to win two FREE tickets from Alaska Airlines!✈️

We're just three days away from the International Air & Space Hall of Fame Virtual Gala where we will be inducting two truly influential women aviators in Barbara Barrett and Tammie Jo Shults this Thursday Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. Pacific! ✨
Registration is free and open to the public at https://bit.ly/3nJhkbT. Proceeds benefit the Museum's Youth Education Programs and COVID19 Recovery Fund.

12/09/2020

Following the guidance set forth by the state of California early this week, museums have temporarily closed. While museums' doors in #BalboaPark are closed, don’t forget that there are still many ways to enjoy the park! Miles of hiking trails and the beautiful gardens remain open to the public.�🌳🌵🌹

As always, we encourage park lovers and visitors to follow state and local safety guidelines regarding physical distancing and mask-wearing for a safe and enjoyable visit to (y)our beloved Balboa Park!💫

For the latest updates, to ask questions via LiveChat, and hours in the Park, visit: culturalpartnership.org/updates

Thank you all so much for understanding and joining us in our continued efforts of protecting the public health of park visitors, staff, and in following State guidelines.❤️

#BalboaParkHikingTrails: balboapark.org/enjoy/trails

#BalboaParkGardens: balboapark.org/explore/gardens

Photo Source: canva.com

12/04/2020

#TasteofDecemberNigths starts today through Sunday, Dec. 6!

The three-day event with over 20 food truck/food vendors the Inspiration Point lot on Park Blvd. offering their most popular menu items.

Check out the official menu below, and plan out your favorite treats!

Visit decembernights.org for more details.
🎅🍪🍩🧁🥧✨

The official menu for Taste of December Nights is now available!👇

Plan your visit at decembernights.org and we'll see you there tomorrow!🎅

12/03/2020

Balboa Park

Balboa Park

Only a few more days until you need your stretchy pants again! The #TasteofDecemberNights drive-through food event is happening this weekend! Friday, Saturday & Sunday, 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m., there will be more than 20 of your favorite past #DecemberNights food vendors in the Inspiration Point Parking Lot, where you can drive in, order, pick-up your favorite treats, and take them away to enjoy!! For all the details, including the vendor list and details on the event, visit https://www.sandiego.gov/taste-of-december-nights

12/02/2020

Balboa Park

The new Palisades Plaza was officially unveiled today at a press conference by Mayor Kevin Faulconer, Mayor-Elect Todd Gloria, Councilmember Chris Ward and other City leaders. This project brings a more pedestrian friendly vibe to the south end of Balboa Park. With new landscaping, lighting, a safer tram stop, and added seating and tables, it it a perfect place to take a break and watch the planes fly overhead. Thank you to the City of San Diego for making this wonderful improvement possible!

11/26/2020

With the holiday season upon us, we would like to take a moment to say how grateful we are for our annual Explorer pass holders. These past months, Explorer pass holders have been here for us and for all the organizations in Balboa Park. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your continued support.

As always, we encourage park lovers and visitors to follow state and local safety guidelines regarding physical distancing and mask-wearing for a safe and enjoyable visit to (y)our beloved Balboa Park!

While indoor museums in #BalboaPark are closed, there are still many ways to enjoy the park! The beautiful gardens and miles of hiking trails remain open to the public.

For the latest updates and hours in the Park, visit culturalpartnership.org/updates

11/26/2020

Virtual Explorer Experience at the Spanish Village Art Center

Take a break and see some beauty while you learn about one of Balboa Park's most creative gems along with Watercolor Artist Gabriel Stockton and Spanish Village Historian Jeffrey Iles!

Over the last 80 years, San Diego artists have continued to preserve and enhance this historical landmark by adding to its beauty with colorful concrete tiles, flowers, and unique studio entryways.

Learn more about the Spanish Village Art Center at https://spanishvillageartcenter.com/ and about Gabriel Stockton at gabrielstocktonfineart.com.

https://youtu.be/wERUuP6V83k

Take a break and see some beauty while you learn about one of Balboa Park's most creative gems along with Watercolor Artist Gabriel Stockton and Spanish Vill...

11/19/2020

Balboa Park

Balboa Park

Summer #2020 was an unprecedented time, and it has been awesome to document and share all of the ways #BalboaPark organizations have continued delivering experiences in exciting new ways during the pandemic.

As we reflect on the season, we also look forward to continued innovation from the venues in Balboa Park!

Special thanks to Jazmine for hosting our first season of 'Balboa Park to You', and to the nonprofits in the park who keep us inspired every day!

For more videos from across the park visit 'Balboa Park TV' on YouTube!

https://youtu.be/Wx4VkgCjCNc

11/16/2020

Mingei International Museum

🌼 Discover the art of #Oshibana, a Japanese technique of #flowerpainting!

Using cardboard, dried flowers, a clear gel medium, and macrame rope create an Oshibana charm that preserves nature’s beauty.

🌼 Discover the art of oshibana, a Japanese technique of flower painting! Using cardboard, dried flowers, a clear gel medium and macrame rope, create an oshibana charm that preserves nature’s beauty.

11/16/2020

The Old Globe

The Old Globe

The complete cast and creative team have been announced as Whoville hits the airwaves: KPBS presents The Old Globe's production of Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas! On the Radio! This unique audio-only performance will be broadcast for free by KPBS Radio four times this holiday season. Plus, we will present the 15th annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and the second annual Sensory-Friendly Grinch AXIS event as free virtual events. Details below!

11/16/2020

The Old Globe

The Old Globe

The Old Globe's annual Grinch Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will be shown virtually this year on Sunday, November 22 at 6:00 p.m. PT on our social media channels. NBC 7 San Diego has all the details!

11/15/2020

Balboa Park to You - Celebrating 12 Years of the Balboa Park Sustainability Program

Since 2008, the Balboa Park Cultural Partnership has administered the #BalboaParkSustainabilityProgram. And by collaborating with a long list of partners over the past 12 years, the accomplishments have been impressive!

The program in its current form is winding down at the end of 2020, leaving the park and the staff in its various nonprofit organizations in a much greener place than when it started.

In this Balboa Park to You video, we talk with Rubi, the program manager, and recap the extraordinary results this program has had. See the video below!

https://youtu.be/gMEVR_ZYdC4

Since 2008 the Balboa Park Cultural Partnership has administered the Balboa Park Sustainability Program. And by collaborating with a long list of partners ov...

11/14/2020

Balboa Park

This week the State of #California announced that #SanDiego County has entered the Purple Tier for Covid-19 restrictions. For our beloved #BalboaPark, this means that indoor museum operations park-wide will cease by Friday, November 13.

We will post an update as soon as San Diego County gives the green light for museums to resume regular operations.

For more information and to see what is open, visit Balboa's Cultural Partnership's website (culturalpartnership.org/updates) for the latest updates on park closures. Thank you all! And stay safe! ✨

11/06/2020

Virtual Explorer Experience with the Mingei International Museum

We invite you to take a break (right meow)! Let your inner artist free and get creative with us! 🐱

In this past Virtual #ExplorerExperience, you'll hear from Christine Hietbrink, Deputy Director and Chief Curator, and Emily Brown, Collections Manager at the Mingei International Museum talk about the #ManekiNeko — Japan’s Beckoning Cats history and about the wonderful Maneki Neko pop up exhibit currently on view at the Japanese Friendship Garden!

Plus – Create your very own at home!

Fun Fact: Maneki Neko has been a common sculpture throughout Japan and China since the #EdoPeriod (1603 – 1868). Maneki Neko is thought to bring good luck with its raised paw.

What you'll need:
We invite you to take a break (right meow!), let your inner artist free, and get creative with us!

• Felt (a few small pieces in different colors)
• Needle
• Thread
• Scissors
• Marker
• Tacky Glue
• Print the Maneki Neko template here: https://bit.ly/3iGJMIz

See the full instructional Lesson Plan here: https://bit.ly/30LHUYW

We would love to see your Maneki Neko! So make sure you share your creations with us on social media by tagging #BalboaParkExplorer or you can also email your creations to [email protected].

Let your inner artist free and get creative with us! Hear from with Christine Hietbrink, Deputy Director and Chief Curator, and Emily Brown, Collections Mana...