Visit Botanical Building, Balboa Park, San Diego, California

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The view of the Botanical Building with the Lily Pond and Lagoon in the foreground is one of the most photographed scenes in Balboa Park and a “must-see” destination in San Diego. Built for the 1915-16 Exposition, along with the adjacent Lily Pond and Lagoon, the historic building is one of the largest lath structures in the world. The Botanical Building plantings include more than 2,100 permanent plants, featuring fascinating collections of cycads, ferns, orchids, other tropical plants and palms. The Botanical Building also presents some of the Park’s vibrant seasonal flower displays. Tours will leave from the south end of the Lily Pond, at 11:00 am, every 3rd Friday. The Botanical Building was closed to the public for construction preparation in January 2022. Phase I, which includes the interior and exterior restoration and renovation of the Botanical Building structure, is anticipated for completion in 2024. When Phase I is done and the public is invited back to the facility, the building restoration (structural) and the interior work will be complete. Exterior work may be ongoing at that time. Phase 2, which is spearheaded by Forever Balboa Park, will address the exterior gardens, pergola reconstruction and is scheduled for completion in 2024. After initiating structural repairs, the City is reviewing the needs and the budget to determine the final scope of Phase 1 (City responsibility). Therefore, the complete scope of work for Phase 2 (Forever Balboa Park) and its budget and timeline is still to be determined. FBP will be responsible for funding, hiring a contractor and overseeing the work of Phase 2.

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