Balboa Park, Urban cultural park in San Diego, United States
Balboa Park is a large park in San Diego that holds museums, theaters and gardens spread across several hills connected by paved promenades. Lawns and shaded walkways lead to buildings designed in Mediterranean and Spanish styles, while plant conservatories and ponds are scattered among the cultural institutions.
San Diego officials set aside land for public use in the 19th century that later evolved into a park with a Mediterranean appearance. Buildings and gardens took shape mainly during two world expositions in the early 20th century, which shaped the architectural character seen today.
The park is named after the Spanish explorer Vasco Núñez de Balboa. On El Prado, the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages present free entertainment shows, and the Casa del Prado Theater houses the San Diego Junior Theatre, the country's oldest children's theatre program.
Several entrances open from surrounding streets and parking areas spread across the grounds, allowing visitors to start at different points. Individual museums and gardens are often far apart, so comfortable shoes and a rough overview map help with planning a route through the area.
The long reflecting pool on El Prado mirrors the Botanical Building, a wood lath structure designed by Carleton Winslow for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition; at the time it was the largest such structure in the world. The pool sits at the foot of the building's arched facade.
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