Built in 1935 for the second California Exposition, Spanish Village depicted a quaint town complete with restaurants, shops, cantinas, and an open courtyard. Many structures built for this Exposition were to be temporary. Consequently, in 1936, after the event drew to a close, some exhibits were slated for demolition. At that time, a group of visionary local artists approached the city with a proposal to convert the buildings in Spanish Village into working art studios. In exchange, the artists agreed to provide community outreach both to other local artists and the public. As a result, local artists have an affordable place to work, show and sell in a creative environment. In addition, the artists of the Village Arts Center open their studio doors to the public…offering them the rare opportunity to watch the artists at work.

The Village Arts Center has remained open to the public for nearly 80 years, closing only for a short time during World War II, when the military occupied much of Balboa Park. Over the years, thousands of dedicated artists have been a part of this artist collective. While cosmetic changes have been made to the Village…adding beautiful trees and flowers, brightly colored doorways and the signature painted patio tiles… The Village Art Center’s mission remains the same. We invite you, the public, into our studios to watch artists at work, and we continue to welcome new artists to join us. So come visit us and share our passion for art! We are open 7 days a week, 11am to 4pm, free of charge.