A new chapter begins at the Botanical Building and Gardens
On Friday, April 10, Forever Balboa Park invited civic leaders, donors and members of the Balboa Park community to celebrate the completion of the Central Gardens and the unveiling of the reconstructed historic pergola.
Located just west of the Botanical Building, the pergola, originally built alongside the Botanical Building for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition, was demolished during World War II. With its redwood lattice and grand five-bay design, the pergola offers a peaceful, beautiful view of the Botanical Building and the revitalized gardens surrounding it.
Forever Balboa Park is proud to have led and funded the Central Gardens and reconstruction of the historic pergola, while contributing significantly to the restoration of the Botanical Building, helping bring this once-in-a-generation vision to life. As Jackie Higgins, Vice President of Planning and Business Development, shared during the event, “It takes a village,” and we are grateful to each of our partners, donors, volunteers, and community members who supported this $10 million capital campaign.
The revitalization also includes the design, hardscape, irrigation and planting of nine climate-appropriate Mediterranean gardens, expanded accessible pathways, and the restoration of surrounding historic features. As plantings take root and the landscape evolves, the Central Gardens will continue to grow into a vibrant, immersive destination for all.
However, the work is far from over. Forever Balboa Park continues the fundraising campaign to ensure long-term care and stewardship of the Botanical Building, Pergola and Central Gardens. Funds raised directly support the ongoing maintenance of this iconic space by our staff and volunteers.
With $10 million needed to fully realize this vision and secure its future, we are actively working to close the remaining gap and invite our community to be part of what comes next. Naming opportunities in the Botanical Building and Central Gardens begin at $5,000, for more information, email give@balboapark.org.
Relive the festivities from the Pergola Reveal:
