Revitalizing
Balboa Park’s
Botanical Building
& Gardens
Phase 1 of the Botanical Building and Gardens revitalization is complete and open to the public! Forever Balboa Park is leading Phase 2, soon bringing the exterior gardens to life with vibrant new plantings.
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.
The Revitalized Botanical Building and Gardens: A New Chapter Unfolds
- Structural Integrity Restored: The building’s structural elements have been repaired, ensuring its stability and longevity for future generations to enjoy.
- Historic Charm Recreated: The elegant arcades have been beautifully restored, and the romantic pergola is on its way, as we continue the intricate work to bring it back to its full 1915 glory.
- Botanical Wonderland: Hundreds of plant species from around the globe are now thriving inside, while plans for stunning new garden areas are sprouting in the background—soon to offer an expanded oasis for nature lovers.
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
Check holiday closures at sandiego.gov/city-holidays
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.
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, click here. 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.
1913EARLY CONSTRUCTIONThe Botanical Building and Gardens was completed by July 1914.
- 1999
1915PANAMA-CALIFORNIA EXPOSITIONThe completed building and exterior gardens opened in 1915.
- 1999
1926PERGOLAA decade later the pergola continued to hold stately prominence over the Botanical Gardens.
- 1999
1935CALIFORNIA PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL EXPOSITIONAs one of the few permanent structures from the previous 1915 expo, the Botanical Building continued to feature horticultural beauty.
- 1999
1959POST RENOVATIONSignificant renovations removed front arcades, mullioned windows, and a glass greenhouse.
- 1999
2019$8.2 MILLION GRANT AWARDEDState Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins and State Assemblymember Todd Gloria (now Mayor of San Diego) championed a state grant to restore the building.
- 1999
2022RESTORATION BEGINSThe botanical collection carefully relocated to the Parks and Recreation nursery as construction begins.
- 1999
2023ON OUR WAYStructural reconstruction is underway.
- 1999
2024COMING SOONThe exterior landscapes will be renewed, and the historic pergola will be rebuilt. Led by Forever Balboa Park.
- 1999
2025& BEYONDForever Balboa Park will lead volunteer garden stewardship and nature learning for all.
- 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
