Balboa Park in San Diego in San Diego County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

House of Charm

Photographed by Adam Margolis, October 29, 2022

1. House of Charm Marker

Inscription. The House of Charm was designed as a temporary exhibition building along the "El Prado” of the Panama-California Exposition held in 1915-1916. The building facades combine ornately sculptured elements with a "Mission” style architecture. The public fell in love with the Prado Buildings and rallied to preserve them. The buildings were then reconditioned for the 1935 California-Pacific International Exposition. The Prado was maintained and became a National Historical Landmark in 1977.

In 1993, The City of San Diego City Council approved replacement of the original temporary structure with a historic reconstruction. The building exterior was carefully reproduced to match the historic facades while the interior was designed to provide modern "museum quality” spaces. Long lost elements such as the domed Pueblo Tower were recreated. Great attention was paid to replicating the original sculptural commendation so their artistic quality can be appreciated by generations of San Diegans to come.

Erected 2015 by Friends of Balboa Park.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1915.

Location. 32° 43.869′ N, 117° 9.047′ W. Marker is in San

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Diego, California, in San Diego County. It is in Balboa Park. It is on Pan American Rd E, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: San Diego CA 92101, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s Peninsular Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: House of Hospitality (within shouting distance of this marker); Balboa Park (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Alcazar Garden (about 300 feet away); The History of the Japanese Friendship Garden (about 300 feet away); The Old Globe (about 400 feet away); California Quadrangle (about 400 feet away); Craig Noel (about 400 feet away); Spreckels Organ and Pavilion (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Diego.

Photographed by Adam Margolis, October 29, 2022

2. House of Charm Marker

Marker is located to the right of the main entrance, hidden by trees.

Photographed by Adam Margolis, October 29, 2022

3. House of Charm Marker

Photographed by Adam Margolis, October 29, 2022

4. House of Charm Marker

House of Charm Re-dedication Plaque image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Adam Margolis, October 29, 2022

5. House of Charm Re-dedication Plaque

House of Charm at the 1935 Exposition image. Click for full size.

Courtesy of the San Diego History Center, June 6, 1935

6. House of Charm at the 1935 Exposition

Credits. This page was last revised on October 28, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 5, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. This page has been viewed 365 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on November 5, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. 6. submitted on November 11, 2022. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.