Balboa Park

Balboa Park is one of the nation’s largest urban cultural parks. Home to 15 major museums, renowned performing arts venues, beautiful gardens and the San Diego Zoo, the Park has an ever-changing calendar of museum exhibitions, plays, musicals, concerts and classes — all in a beautiful and timeless setting.

The Partnership’s arts, science, and cultural institutions hold many accolades, including:

  • In April 2008, The Old Globe and its Tony Award®-winning productions transferred its 20th show to Broadway.
  • The San Diego Junior Theatre is the oldest youth theatre program in the United States (1948).
  • The San Diego Natural History Museum is the oldest scientific institution in Southern California (1874) and oldest incorporated nonprofit in San Diego (1935).
  • The San Diego Museum of Art is the region’s oldest and largest art museum (1926).
  • The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center opened in 1973, featuring the world’s first IMAX Dome Theatre. 
  • The San Diego Air & Space Museum has the only International Aerospace Hall of Fame.
  • The San Diego Hall of Champions Sports Museum is the nation’s largest multi-sport museum.
  • The San Diego Model Railroad Museum is the largest of its kind in the United States and the only one accredited by the Association of American Museums.
  • The San Diego Zoo houses more than 4,000 rare and endangered animals, representing more than 800 species and subspecies, and is a leader in global conservation efforts.

The Balboa Park Cultural Partnership serves as the collaborative body and collective voice for 26 arts, science, and cultural institutions in Balboa Park. Together we achieve greater effectiveness, innovation, and excellence and contribute to the vitality and sustainability of Balboa Park. Our collective 500 trustees, 7,000 volunteers, and 3,500 staff serve more than 6.2 million visitors annually.