Spanish Village Art Center

The basics

Visitors can watch artists at work, take an art class, or simply stroll through the courtyard to admire the multicolored tiles and browse artwork on display. It’s a nice way to break up a busy day of museum visits and other activities in the park. Balboa Park Segway tours often pass by the village, or book a private tour and choose the village as one of your customized stops to make sure you don’t miss it.

Things to know before you go

• There is no admission fee.
• Wear comfortable shoes to walk through the village and the rest of the sprawling park.
• Most artists prefer that you don’t photograph their art, whether you are a professional or just posting to social media.

How to get there

The Spanish Village Art Center sits at the corner of Zoo Drive and Village Place, just west of Park Boulevard. It’s accessible via the city buses that run along Park Boulevard.

When to get there

The village is open every day from late morning to late afternoon. Many events take place during the year, such as live art demonstrations and sales for the different artist guilds.

Art Classes

Taking an art class at Spanish Village Art Center is a great way to get a local experience that goes beyond simply browsing or purchasing art. Classes include subjects like sculpture, watercolors, silk dyeing, jewelry making, and many others. Check the village website for dates and course fees.