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Archtoberfest - Romance of the Expo: Courtyards, Tiles & Fountains

As part of Archtoberfest and our yearlong centennial celebration of the 1915 Panama-California Exposition, we present Romance of the Expo: Courtyards, Tiles & Fountains.

Through visionary architecture and landscape, Bertram G. Goodhue and the other designers of the 1915 Panama-California Exposition created an exuberant fantasy world of time and place inspired by San Diego's Spanish and Mexican heritage. The resulting memorable effect would lure visitors from across the country while putting San Diego on the map. One hundred years later, due to historic preservationists and concerned citizens, Balboa Park contains one of the nation's largest concentrations of eclectic, Spanish Colonial Era-inspired buildings, gardens and public spaces. The everlastingly beautiful People's Park, as it became known, continues to attract tourists from around the globe who come to marvel at its year-round splendor.

The predominantly Spanish Revival architectural theme of Balboa Park is enhanced by countless decorative and historic details, including romantic courtyards, tranquil fountains, and opulent tile. While many of these features are original to the 1915 Panama-California Exposition more were added for the 1935 California Pacific International Exposition and during the following decades to commemorate people and special events important to park and city history. The Romantic Courtyards, Fountains and Tiles of the Exposition walking tour will take you to many of these intriguing and alluring sites, beginning at the centrally located Plaza de Panama and looping around to end at the Moorish-influenced Alcazar Gardens. Come learn from SOHO's experts about the unique and often surprising histories of these "sparkling little gems" that together make up San Diego's celebrated "crown jewel."