This evening, before the Spreckels Organ Pavilion’s Classic Rock Band’s concert featuring music of The Beatles got started, I walked a bit. I meandered around Balboa Park and took these photographs.
The sun was setting. Here and there building lights were appearing. The Spreckels Organ Pavilion was jammed with concert-goers. A few people were walking down El Prado, or by the Botanical Building as the sky gradually darkened…
The music began…
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The San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park has plans to substantially expand. The proposed renovation of the West Wing celebrates the centennial of the museum in 2026.
A physical model of an early design concept for this new West Wing extension can be viewed today inside the museum. The design was conceived by the prestigious international architectural firm Foster + Partners, and the model is part of an exhibition that shows their other work around the world.
I got a look at the model yesterday and took some photos so you might visualize how Balboa Park might appear in the future. Obviously, this is important to everyone in San Diego.
Like other Foster + Partners projects, the design will create an experience that is spacious and full of natural light. The proposed expansion will add 37,000 square feet of gallery space, including an immersive digital space. There will also be a community engagement pavilion that will provide interactive space for artists and visitors alike.
As you can see, this large expansion will replace today’s sculpture court and garden.
Personally, I’m not really sure what to think of it.
I like the general idea, but how will this new structure fit in with the surrounding, entirely different Spanish Colonial Revival architecture? It will stand across Plaza de Panama from the much smaller Timken Museum, which also has a more sleek, modern appearance, perhaps creating a visual counter-balance.
The very first thing that struck me is how small the historic San Diego Museum of Art appears beside their wide, taller expansion. No other buildings are shown in the model such as the nearby House of Charm, but I imagine it, too, will appear small in comparison.
My main concern is how this fairly tall new structure might obscure or partially obscure views of Balboa Park’s iconic California Tower, which is arguably the most beloved sight in all of San Diego. The expansion will almost certainly hide the California Tower from people who are in the north part of the Plaza de Panama.
It also appears the design work at the sculpture court and garden by renowned modernist Malcolm Leland will disappear. You can see photographs of that in one of my past blog posts by clicking here.
Well, what do you think?
If you visit the model in the museum, there’s a nearby video that helps you better visualize how this expansion will appear, and an opportunity to leave your own comment.
Here’s a photo I took a few years ago from a short distance up El Prado. You can see the present-day sculpture court with its columns and banners to the right of the California Building’s dome.
The proposed expansion, to my eye, appears to be about three times the height of the sculpture court. So imagine that. The California Tower should remain visible down El Prado, fortunately.
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The public seldom gets to step into Balboa Park’s historic Pratt Loggia. The columned, balcony-like loggia is easily seen when gazing up from El Prado at the Casa del Prado. You can see it in my next photograph:
During a recent tour of Balboa Park conducted by the Committee of 100, an organization working to preserve Balboa Park’s historic architecture, gardens and public spaces, I was fortunate to step foot into the Pratt Loggia and discover something wonderful.
Before our special tour entered the loggia, we were shown a plaque. It lists the people instrumental in funding the loggia’s creation back in 1971, during the Casa del Prado’s reconstruction.
According to this San Diego History Center webpage: During the course of reconstruction it was discovered that the bond issue did not allow for an expenditure of $70,000 to rebuild the second-level fluted, striated columns with capitals of cupids and the ornate balustrade on the outside loggia of the south building. The Committee of 100 raised the needed money with $50,000 coming from Mrs. Jeannette Pratt, in whose honor the reconstructed gallery was named the “Jeannette Pratt Loggia.”
Our group observed how the plaque contains a Who’s Who of leading San Diego citizens back in 1970s, including the Copleys, Cushmans, Fletchers, Rohr, Ryans, Scripps, and many others. Bea Evenson led the creation of the loggia.
And now here is the beautiful loggia!
We were surprised to see numerous bells in the Pratt Loggia: a few along the balustrade and many others contained in large display cases at either end.
These bells were sent to San Diego from cities around the nation during our city’s bicentennial back in 1969! To mark the 200 year anniversary celebration, San Diego wrote to these cities asking for a donated bell.
What was received? There are fire bells, school bells, bells of all sizes and kinds!
This big one rang loudly and deeply!
THIS BELL IS IN MEMORIAM OF SAN DIEGO’S 200 YEARS. FROM TOPEKA, KANSASSAN DIEGO 1769 BICENTENNIALPRESENTED TO THE CITY OF SAN DIEGO ON THE OCCASION OF ITS 200TH ANNIVERSARY BY THE CITIZENS OF WASHINGTON, D. C.
Another wonderful surprise in San Diego’s ever-amazing Balboa Park!
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or X.
Preparations have begun for San Diego’s free, epic December Nights event this weekend. Workers and volunteers were in various parts of Balboa Park, erecting structures, stringing holiday lights, and building the huge Christmas Story Tree that is a beloved tradition at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.
I walked through Balboa Park a little before sunset and photographed some of the activity. Today is Monday. December Nights in 2024 runs this coming Friday, December 6 from 3 pm to 11pm, and Saturday, December 7 from 11 am to 11 pm. Over 300,000 visitors are expected!
As I crossed the Cabrillo Bridge, I noticed red ribbons on lamps now line El Prado…
Here’s one of the holiday decorations that will welcome thousands of pedestrians who cross the bridge into the park…
The Old Globe’s “Grinch tree” had its lighting ceremony last month. As usual, it will be a popular family destination during December Nights.
A cheerful candy cane striped structure went up today in the Plaza de Panama. Lights strung outward from its top will create a magical scene after dark.
At the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, the joyful hub of December Nights, volunteers and members of the Christmas Story Tree organization were putting together the towering tree,
Learn about the Christmas Story Tree by visiting its website here. A choir, that is made up of many local churches and community members, and an orchestra tell the story through familiar Christmas hymns and carols along with a narrator. They could use donations and more volunteers!
A spotlight structure goes up in the rear of the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.
When I walked through the International Cottages, I saw two of the cottages were busy getting ready for December Nights. I didn’t get a photo of boxes being carried into the House of Mexico, but the following photo was taken outside the House of Germany.
This Breakfast With Santa notice was posted outside the Municipal Gymnasium. Toys For Tots says: Come meet Santa and have breakfast on Saturday, December 14th at 9 am.
I learned the interior of the Municipal Gymnasium will become Santa’s magical North Pole home, much like last year. The building will close on Wednesday to begin its transformation!
Meanwhile, as I listened to the sound of bouncing basketballs, I found some fun stuff on the gym’s bulletin board…
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I post new blogs pretty often. If you like discovering new things, bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and swing on by occasionally!
I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or X.
San Diego saw a huge celebration of Turkey’s unique history and culture on Sunday. The House of Turkey brought a festive parade and lawn program to Balboa Park!
I spied the flag-waving procession heading down El Prado around noontime. The smiling group was led by the House of Turkey royalty. Those participating gathered beside the Bea Evenson Fountain, danced and clapped their hands in rhythm!
At the International Cottages, a huge crowd enjoyed traditional food, including Gözleme, Börek and Turkish Tea.
There were crafts, kids activities, cultural displays, and after opening remarks, the happy music of the ATASC-SD Turkish Music Chorus. Then at two o’clock colorfully costumed Turkish folk dancing by the performing group Grup Anadolu began!
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I post new blogs pretty often. If you like discovering new things, bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and swing on by occasionally!
I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or X.
It’s late January. Balboa Park’s ornamental pear trees are in full bloom!
Like a dream, or an Impressionist painting, clouds of white flowers now fill El Prado. The ornamental pears in both Plaza de Panama and Plaza de Balboa are putting on their winter show!
Delicate blossoms fluttering down from the trees appeared to me like gently falling snowflakes…
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Thanks for visiting Cool San Diego Sights!
I post new blogs pretty often. If you like discovering new things, bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and swing on by occasionally!
I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
While the rest of the nation was in a deep freeze, our sunny San Diego weather welcomed everyone outdoors on Christmas Day.
Most of the attractions in Balboa Park were closed for the holiday. Museums, cafes, cottages, and historic buildings were locked up tight. But by the afternoon a good crowd filled El Prado, enjoying the beauty of the park, street performers, and sunshine.
I did note the Balboa Park Miniature Railroad was operating, as was the San Diego Zoo.
At two o’clock the free Sunday concert went on as always at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion. Outstanding local organist Russ Peck played a Christmas medley, highlights from The Sound of Music, and assorted Christmas carol favorites. I heard voices in the audience singing along!
Here come a few photographs…
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Thanks for visiting Cool San Diego Sights!
I post new blogs pretty often. If you like discovering new things, bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and swing on by occasionally!
I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
After a two year hiatus, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, December Nights has returned to Balboa Park! San Diego’s epic holiday event appears to be back in a big way, with large crowds filtering into the park this evening.
I walked around before it became too dark for my old camera, taking in the festive scene. I saw Christmas decorations, lights, food, and many smiling faces. I saw Santa, too! My photos were taken before sundown, when I turned my feet for home and Balboa Park became really crowded!
Please enjoy these photos. If you’ve never been to December Nights, you can get an idea of what it’s like. The big event will continue tomorrow, Saturday, 11 am to 11 pm!
Holiday entertainment is featured throughout December Nights on the stage of the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.Cookies, cocoa and coffee at the Gingerbread House, at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.Viewing the Nativity Display at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.Fun holiday inflatables at the Japanese Friendship Garden.Write Out Loud tells a story at the Japanese Friendship Garden using a storybox, or kamishibai.Making ornaments at the Japanese Friendship Garden! Hello!Santa and his reindeer visit Balboa Park once again.Cool outfit!The colors of Christmas fill Spanish Village.I sampled Chider, a mix of hot chocolate and apple cider. It was really good!I’ve never seen so many food trucks in one place.Lots of Christmas sweaters spotted on El Prado. Whether they’re ugly or not, you decide.Those Seals sunglasses I won with your prize wheel are awesome! Thank you!Some cloggers take the stage near the Bea Evenson Fountain.A vendor had these fun Santa Claus gifts.The International Cottages serve up all sorts of holiday food from around the world.Heading down toward Balboa Park’s Palisades.Nice smile! (Took a little coaxing!)Gloved thumbs up. I guess I’m on the “nice” list.Yummy smells everywhere you walk.These smiling nutcrackers would be performing on stage later.These mimes would perform later, too!December Nights has returned to San Diego in 2022.
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Early October. A walk in Balboa Park. Another fine Sunday full of sunshine and magic.
I headed nowhere in particular.
Visitors to wonderful Balboa Park stream down El Prado.Does the Botanical Building appear strange? It’s in the middle of its big renovation! But the Lily Pond is as beautiful as ever.A local artist smiles and shows her colorful work.She makes awesome papier-mache figures. I recognize Frida Kahlo!My friend Mitchell was on El Prado playing his didgeridoo.I got a cookie. (And more smiles!) Proceeds help the San Diego Civic Dance Arts, whose home is the Casa del Prado Theater.Why are peanuts in a pile inside the Spanish Village Art Center?That’s why!Lunch time for a squirrel in the park.Here comes the Balboa Park Miniature Railroad! Kids love it. The small train ride is operated by the nearby San Diego Zoo.A big Balboa Park Spooktacular is coming up at the Municipal Gym on Saturday October 29, 2022. There will be a costume contest!The House of Austria had their lawn program today. I got a folk costume preview as I strolled early through the International Cottages.Gazing down into the lush Lower Garden of the Japanese Friendship Garden.Shortly after noon, not many had arrived yet for the two o’clock Sunday concert at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion. San Diego Civic Organist Raul Prieto Ramírez rehearses up on the stage.Spreckels Organ Society member pulls a sign out for the free Sunday concert.Everyone loves Balboa Park. Including friends with four legs!
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
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