Spanish Village Art Center

Discover San Diego’s coveted secret for art lovers at Spanish Village Art Center. The Village is located between the Zoo and the NAT. These quaint buildings and colorful courtyards were originally built in 1935. They depicted a charming old village in Spain for the second California Pacific International Exposition. In 1937, the Village was reopened as an art destination by a group of dedicated artists. During World War II the U.S. Army used the village for temporary barracks, and in 1947 it was reclaimed and restored by the artists.

Over the last 60+ years, San Diego artists have continued to preserve and enhance this historical landmark by adding to its beauty with colorful concrete tiles, flowers, and unique studio entryways. Today the Village continues to be a thriving community for over 200 local artisans who share their talent and the love of all things that are art with you.

Spanish Village Art Center

4.7

Based on 2131 reviews

Jo Moss

07:45 11 May 23

An art lovers paradise with lots of artists to talk to and see their paintings in the studio/shops all around the... colourful square. You can also buy the most delicious hot drinks and sit around watching the world go by. Balboa Park is just fantasticread more

Maltesh K

00:53 04 Dec 22

Spanish village is very much native. You get the feeling of village homes and hand looms. One of the best thing I... visited was the artist who draws the scenes on canvas in front of you, it was so exciting although pricy. Trees and small plants mostly all are desert plants cactus and alovera families I suppose. People are friendly and I enjoyed my time. It is pretty close to zoo, if you go to zoo, plan a short visit to this village. Nearby there are many old buildings, if you like historic features, then just down the faint fig tree there are plenty of building, balboa park and museums. You may need another day apart from visiting the zoo.read more

Claudia Ortiz

14:54 20 Sep 22

The Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park is one of our favorite places to visit. We love the vibrant shops and we... enjoy visiting some of the studios in the center and watch the local artists create.When visiting there are many studios where you can find just about any masterpiece such as oil paintings, wood art, ceramic, basketry, & many more. There is also a refreshment cart where you can order a delicious lemonade, iced coffee or some other fresh drinks.Free parking is available and bathrooms as well.Art classes available (visit their website to register)read more

Joseph MacMillan

19:47 01 Sep 22

Lovely and quaint, the Spanish Village Art Center is a cute local arts pavilion with several local artists booths. They... also have art workshops, local artists exhibits and live music. The quaint architecture and ambiance is quite fun. Not bad for a free to do time.read more

Thom Hiatt

21:32 30 Aug 22

This is an inspiring environment jam packed full of talented small business owners who are passionate about their... crafts. From pottery to blown glass and painting to gemstones, this place is incredible! Free parking and free entry. Plenty to see and do...all for free! Oh, and feel free to buy some COOL one of a kind stuff, too!read more

Estela Ortega

04:14 25 Jun 22

There were a lot of arts, crystals shops. Along with a coffee shop, very cute. It was sweet in a lay back and take in... the place in. Also if you want to make your daily steps goals, come here, you won't notice.read more

Nicole Paige

14:30 28 May 22

So interesting. I saw a man painting with such detail and his studio was filled with all of his work. It was amazing!... We saw statues and jewelry.read more

Christine Wong

00:21 23 Apr 22

What a treasure—a bit of a quieter, more colorful part off of Balboa Park. Lots of different art studios to visit and... plenty of areas to sit and take in views. I loved the colorful buildings and walkways! If you have pets or friends/family with pets, stop by Lucy Wang’s Chinese Brush Painting Gallery to pick up these art pieces for $5 a pop.read more

Pattie Kromrey

04:35 22 Mar 22

I love wandering around this place. It has such a wonderful creative feel. Our friend Joel is a stained glass artisan... in one of the shops. It was our first time seeing him there. Love his work and everything is reasonably priced! His handle on IG is seminomaticartisanread more

Jessica Riggleman

22:39 19 Feb 22

Wow, what an unexpected, very cool place! My boyfriend and I were visiting for the weekend and I wanted to visit Balboa... Park. We randomly ran into the Spanish Village Art Center. I am not sure if it should be advertised more or if it is Balboa Parks best keep secret. My boyfriend is a glassblower and surprisingly there was another one there. We walked through like 8 times! Love it and the artisans are amazing.read more

Frank Juhasz

21:35 07 Feb 22

This collection of working artist shops is unique in my experience and a treasure.After the 1935 exposition the... Spanish Village was reopened as space for local artists to create and sell their work and has continued in that spirit to this day. Artists must be recommended to the self governing board by two independent members of the local artist community. Once accepted an artist is there for life.read more

Brian Ammanna

22:29 03 Jan 22

Definitely worth walking thru this village if you plan to visit Balboa park.Has a lot of small shops selling crafts,... jewellery n artread more

Keven Jeffery

13:21 15 Aug 21

Artists can rent a little shop to show their handmade goods. It's a nice place to find a gift or souvenir that's a... little different. There's lots of variety, so something for everyone. The prices didn't seem outrageous.read more

Chris Gilligan

16:30 03 May 21

I was pleasantly surprised by this little Art Village. I visited on a Friday and it was pretty empty due to the heat... but it was so worth it. I bought the cutest earrings from one of the artists and I have not stopped received complements when I wear them. All the artists were so nice and eager to talk about their STUNNING works. I will definitely come back here next time I'm in San Diego.read more

Pamela Hope

02:05 05 Apr 21

Gorgeous art center/village, a man does woodwork here,.including mini child size benches you can have a name chiseled... into, but also incredible quill pens with the handle made out of wood, beautiful. (Must buy your own ink) .read more

D Hanks

21:06 14 Sep 20

It was ok. We were there on a Monday so not every shop was open.

Jeff Lee

22:26 05 Sep 20

Cool little village with lots of arts and crafts

Next Reviews