California Quadrangle

The California Quadrangle is a Spanish Colonial Revival complex in Balboa Park featuring ornately designed facades with decorative details throughout. A central dome and tower with Mexican design elements define the exterior structure.

Architect Bertram Goodhue designed the complex for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition, an event celebrating the Panama Canal's completion. The buildings were retained as permanent structures in the park and came to represent California's growth during that period.

The Museum of Us presents exhibitions about human history with objects from different cultures and time periods. Visitors can learn how people lived and developed across the world.

The tower is open to visitors and offers views from multiple levels across the park and city. Wear good shoes since climbing the stairs requires physical effort.

The main building's frontispiece displays hand-carved sculptures by the Piccirilli Brothers, master craftsmen of that era. These artworks show the skilled stonework techniques used in the early 1900s.

Location: San Diego

Architects: Bertram Goodhue

Architectural style: Spanish Colonial Revival architecture

GPS coordinates: 32.73153,-117.15236

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:44