Balboa Park: Heart Of San Diego

Balboa Park has been around for more than a hundred years. But the Balboa Park we know today began with the 1915 Panama-California Exposition. The park has had a rich history, and now it’s a charmed destination for tourists and locals. Culturally and emotionally, Balboa Park is the heart of San Diego. During this anniversary year of the exposition, KPBS looks at the park's history, its treasures and the challenges it faces.

Balboa Park Memories

KPBS is collecting your Balboa Park memories as the city marks the 100th anniversary of Balboa Park's 1915 Panama-California Exposition.

The Trouble With Parking At Balboa Park

Access to San Diego’s crown jewel is a challenge for visitors and the park organizations that don’t want to turn them away.

Conservancy Sets Priorities For Ever-Changing Balboa Park

A look at how the five-year-old Balboa Park Conservancy plans to preserve and maintain San Diego's "crown jewel" now that there's a new CEO leading the charge.

Balboa Park's Aging Plumbing Threatens Museums' Collections

Balboa Park is more than 100 years old and so is some of its plumbing, and that has some folks who work in the park worried.

San Diego Women Fought For Role In 1915 Expo At Balboa Park

Historians explain how the 1915 Panama-California Exposition, which created the Balboa Park we know today, was also a touchstone of the women’s movement in San Diego.

Santa Fe Depot Celebrates 100 Years In Operation

The Santa Fe Depot — also called Union Station — was built 100 years ago to help bring people to the 1915 Panama-California Exposition at Balboa Park.

Balboa Park Carousel History Predates 1915 Expo

KPBS news anchor Sally Hixson tells the story of a carousel that was kind of like a member of her family.

Modest Centennial Celebration Underway In Balboa Park

There was supposed to be a yearlong party in Balboa Park this year. It’s the 100th anniversary of the 1915 Panama-California Exposition, which put San Diego and Balboa Park on the map. The city’s big party fizzled, but the park museums have a plan of their own.

Balboa Park's Iconic California Tower Opens To Public After 80 Years

The tower at the Museum of Man will open to visitors on New Year's Day

For the first time since 1935, the California Tower at the San Diego Museum of Man will be open to visitors beginning New Year's Day.

2,600 Visitors Climb California Tower Since Reopening

Balboa Park's California Tower, which has been closed for 80 years, has attracted people from 20 different states since it reopened.

Guide: Balboa Park Centennial Celebration

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Panama-California Exposition in Balboa Park, and events are planned at the 1,200-acre park throughout 2015.

Trolley Gets Wrapped Up In Balboa Park Celebration

A red trolley car has been transformed into one featuring photos of Balboa Park from 1915, when the the Panama-California Exposition was held there.

California Historian Kevin Starr On Balboa Park

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the 1915 Panama-California Exposition in Balboa Park. California Historian Kevin Starr weighs in on the continuing impact of the event.

Exhibit Features Rarely Seen Artwork By Dr. Seuss

The San Diego History Center launched its 2015 Centennial Celebration with the opening of "Ingenious! The World of Dr. Seuss." The exhibit features rare and never-before-seen images by San Diego's renowned local author.

'Gauguin To Warhol' Exhibit Celebrates 20th Century Icons

"Gauguin to Warhol" shows work by 40 of the most famous artists from the late 1800s through the 20th Century. The exhibit is at The San Diego Museum of Art until Jan. 27.

Balboa Park Centennial Committee Members Apologize For Failure

The committee in charge of planning a yearlong party in 2015 at Balboa Park spent $2.6 million that came from taxpayers, and now the group is out of business. KPBS interviewed committee members, museum leaders and community members to find out what went wrong.