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

The Old Globe

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, July 7, 2025

1. The Old Globe Marker

Inscription. The Old Globe, one of California’s first not-for-profit theatres, began as a venue for Shakespeare performances during the 1935-36 California Pacific International Expositions, San Diego’s second World’s Fair. Since that time, generations have enjoyed the Globe’s world-class productions of Shakespeare and classical theatre, revivals and new works, including many world-premiere plays and musicals that have moved on to Broadway and have become part of the American theatre canon. The Old Globe received the 1984 Tony Award for outstanding achievement by a regional theatre and, with three theatres in Balboa Park, ranks at the very top of the most active and honored theatres in the United States.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment. A significant historical year for this entry is 1984.

Location. 32° 43.907′ N, 117° 9.109′ 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: Craig Noel (a few steps from this marker); California Quadrangle (within shouting distance of this marker); Alcazar Garden (within shouting

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distance of this marker); David Charles Collier (within shouting distance of this marker); The Discovery of California (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Administration Building (about 400 feet away); 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 . . . History of The Old Globe Theatre.

Modeled after Shakespeare’s Old Globe in London, the Old Globe Theatre was built in 1935 for the presentation of abridged versions of Shakespeare’s plays as part of the California Pacific International Exposition. At the conclusion of the exposition in 1937, a non-profit producing corporation, the San Diego Community Theatre, leased the theatre and adjacent buildings from the City of San Diego (an arrangement that continues today) and renovated the theatre for ongoing use.

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

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, July 7, 2025

2. The Old Globe Marker

The Old Globe Theatre image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, July 7, 2025

3. The Old Globe Theatre

Credits. This page was last revised on August 9, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 8, 2025, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. This page has been viewed 88 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 8, 2025, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.