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

Craig Noel

Founding Director of The Old Globe

— August 25, 1915 – April 3, 2010 —

Craig Noel Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, July 7, 2025

1. Craig Noel Marker

Inscription. Craig Noel was among the generation of artistic visionaries who established the first resident theatre companies beyond the confines of Broadway. He dedicated his life to his art and singlehandedly made theatre the center of San Diego’s cultural life.
A pioneer in the national theatre movement and theatre education, his work had both regional and national impact. Craig was always in service to something greater than himself. For Craig, it was his artists, his city and utlimately, theatre. He was the singular creative force behind The Old Globe for decades.

“I have been so fortunate. I have never worked a day in my life;
it was never work; it was doing what I loved most.” – Craig Noel

Craig Noel Garden dedicated May 24, 2010

Erected 2010.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment. A significant historical date for this entry is May 24, 2010.

Location. 32° 43.907′ N, 117° 9.116′ W. Marker is in San Diego, California, in San Diego County. It is in Balboa Park. It can be reached from Old Globe Way. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1363 Old Globe Way, 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: The Old Globe (a few steps from this marker); California Quadrangle

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Alcazar Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); David Charles Collier (within shouting distance of this marker); The Discovery of California (within shouting distance of this marker); Administration Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); House of Charm (about 400 feet away); Balboa Park (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Diego.

Also see . . . Craig Noel.

Craig Noel, Founding Director of The Old Globe, died at his home in San Diego of natural causes on April 3, 2010. He was 94 years old. Noel was a significant figure in the development of American theater, having led the Globe from its earliest days as a community organization to an internationally renowned institution. Over his more than 70-year career at the Globe, Noel directed more than 200 works, produced an additional 270 productions and created innovative and influential theater programs. In 2007, Noel received the National Medal of Arts – the nation’s highest honor for artistic excellence – by President George W. Bush
Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, July 7, 2025

2. Craig Noel Marker
in a ceremony at the White House. Noel had been in failing health but remained active through his unflagging support of live theatre.

(Submitted on August 8, 2025, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon.)

The Old Globe Theatre image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, July 7, 2025

3. The Old Globe Theatre

The Old Globe Theatre

4. Craig Noel

Credits. This page was last revised on August 11, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 8, 2025, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. This page has been viewed 73 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 8, 2025, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.