Revitalizing
Balboa Park’s Botanical Building & Gardens

The Botanical Building and Gardens Phase 1 revitalization project is nearing completion, with Phase Two being led and funded by Forever Balboa Park.
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An Icon Revitalized: The Transformation of the Botanical Building

After more than a century of weather and wear, the historic Botanical Building has been carefully revitalized, bringing it back to its 1915 grandeur while incorporating cutting-edge updates. The once deteriorating structure, with its graceful arcades, Palladian windows, and long-missing romantic pergola, now stands proudly, enhanced with modern features. For the first time in its history, the building includes interior misters, state-of-the-art lighting, and new water features, creating an immersive and dynamic space for visitors.

Forever Balboa Park, in collaboration with the City of San Diego, has championed the vision to restore the Botanical Building as one of the most iconic and photographed landmarks on the West Coast. This revitalization marks a significant milestone, but there is more work ahead. Phase two will focus on the surrounding gardens, integrating sustainable landscaping and fostering community-driven improvements.

Thanks to the generous support of donors, we are nearing the completion of this transformative project. However, we need your continued partnership to see it through. Help us ensure the Botanical Building and Gardens thrive for future generations, securing their place as a cherished part of San Diego’s legacy for another century.

Botanical Building Before Damage Photo
Botanical Building After Photo
Revitalized Balboa Botanical Building

The Revitalized Botanical Building and Gardens: A New Chapter Unfolds

The revitalization of the Botanical Building and Gardens is well underway, bringing this beloved icon back to life with a perfect blend of history and innovation. This once-in-a-lifetime project has breathed new life into the landmark, with many exciting milestones already achieved:
While much has been achieved, the journey continues. With the pergola still in progress and the garden areas taking shape, we’re excited for what’s to come. Join us in celebrating this revitalization and stay tuned for even more beauty to blossom at the Botanical Building and Gardens!
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A New Era of Connection: Community & Nature

With the revitalization of the Botanical Building and Gardens well underway, San Diego’s commitment to urban environmental sustainability is more vibrant than ever. The newly upgraded spaces are already setting the stage for engaging educational programs, where visitors of all ages can deepen their understanding of biodiversity and sustainable solutions. Our mission to inspire new generations of plant enthusiasts and nature lovers is becoming a reality—one vibrant garden, one budding visitor at a time.

Want to make a difference? Help preserve this iconic space and ensure it flourishes for future generations by donating, volunteering, or spreading the word.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Botanical Building is expected to reopen in 2025. Stay tuned for updates on our website and social media channels as we get closer to the grand reopening.
The restoration focuses on returning the building to its original 1915 design while enhancing accessibility and the visitor experience. The Botanical Building will feature state-of-the-art lighting and a restroom for city staff. Some highlights include:
  • Restored historic architectural elements
  • Enhanced garden spaces with a more diverse plant collection
  • New lighting for evening displays
  • Improved pathways and accessibility features
  • Water features and upgraded irrigation systems
No, the funds raised privately will remain with Forever Balboa Park to fund its portion of the work on the project, which is separately contracted from the City’s efforts. Forever Balboa Park is a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, Tax ID #33-0849518. If you’d like to learn more about contributing to the campaign, please call 619.331.1991 or email info@balboaparkbotanical.org.
No, the Botanical Building and Gardens are City of San Diego resources. As the City’s nonprofit partner on this project, Forever Balboa Park supports the City’s efforts to maintain and operate the building, ensuring it remains free and accessible to all.
The Botanical Building will remain free and open to the public, in keeping with its historic mission of providing access to nature and education for all visitors.
The opening hours will be determined closer to the reopening date.
Yes, accessibility is a top priority in the restoration. The new design will include improved pathways and ramps, making the building and gardens accessible to all visitors, including those with mobility challenges.

Phase 1 of the restoration began in January 2022, when the building was closed. The reopening marks the completion of Phase 1, with Phase 2 focusing on additional improvements and features.

The restoration is a partnership between the City of San Diego, the Parks and Recreation Department, and Forever Balboa Park. A dedicated team of architects, landscape designers, and historians is working to preserve the building’s historical integrity while integrating modern upgrades.
We are still fundraising for Phase 2 of the project. To make a donation, please visit [Donation Website]. Every contribution helps ensure the continued preservation and enhancement of this historic landmark.
The Botanical Building will showcase a wide variety of plant species from around the world, with a special focus on tropical and subtropical plants, along with diverse seasonal displays. Many of these plants will reflect the original vision from 1915.
The restoration project is designed with sustainability in mind. It includes eco-friendly upgrades such as efficient irrigation systems and energy-efficient lighting, minimizing the environmental footprint while enhancing the botanical collections.
While the reopening marks a major milestone, we have more planned for the future! Phase 2 will focus on further enhancing the gardens and visitor amenities. We will continue to seek community support to complete these ambitious projects and ensure the Botanical Building remains a vibrant part of Balboa Park.
The best way to stay informed is by following Forever Balboa Park on social media, signing up for our newsletter, or regularly checking our website for updates.

Our Latest Updates

A Century of
Botanical Wonder

Built in 1914, the Botanical Building and Gardens lives on as one of the park’s most beloved destinations—and one of San Diego’s most important assets. Envisioned by Alfred D. Robinson, designed by Carleton Winslow, and brought to life by architect Bertram Goodhue, the resulting building was as enchanting as dreamed. Designed to be open to the air, it showcased San Diego’s extraordinary climate to the millions of visitors attending the 1915 Exposition. Its global collection of plants proved the region’s horticultural possibilities.

  1. 1913
    EARLY CONSTRUCTION

    The Botanical Building and Gardens was completed by July 1914.

  2. 1999
  3. 1915
    PANAMA-CALIFORNIA EXPOSITION

    The completed building and exterior gardens opened in 1915.

  4. 1999
  5. 1926
    PERGOLA

    A decade later the pergola continued to hold stately prominence over the Botanical Gardens.

  6. 1999
  7. 1935
    CALIFORNIA PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL EXPOSITION

    As one of the few permanent structures from the previous 1915 expo, the Botanical Building continued to feature horticultural beauty.

  8. 1999
  9. 1959
    POST RENOVATION

    Significant renovations removed front arcades, mullioned windows, and a glass greenhouse.

  10. 1999
  11. 2019
    $8.2 MILLION GRANT AWARDED

    State Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins and State Assemblymember Todd Gloria (now Mayor of San Diego) championed a state grant to restore the building.

  12. 1999
  13. 2022
    RESTORATION BEGINS

    The botanical collection carefully relocated to the Parks and Recreation nursery as construction begins.

  14. 1999
  15. 2023
    ON OUR WAY

    Structural reconstruction is underway.

  16. 1999
  17. 2024
    COMING SOON

    The exterior landscapes will be renewed, and the historic pergola will be rebuilt. Led by Forever Balboa Park. 

  18. 1999
  19. 2025
    & BEYOND

    Forever Balboa Park will lead volunteer garden stewardship and nature learning for all.

  20. 1999

A Model Public Private Partnership

Through an unprecedented infusion of federal, state, local, and private funding, the Botanical Building and Gardens is being restored to its former glory. Forever Balboa Park is participating as a private partner of the City of San Diego.

Forever Balboa Park raised funds for, prepared the conceptual plans, and donated the construction documents for the building restoration to the City.

The restoration of the building is funded through a California State Award and City of San Diego funding (referred to as Phase 1).

Forever Balboa Park is raising private funds for the design and installation of the exterior gardens, the restoration of the historic pergola, renovation of the two exterior fountains and walkways, volunteer opportunities, and public engagement programming (referred to as Phase 2).

In Collaboration

Forever Balboa Park
City of San Diego
CA Seal
National Park Service