We love a shimmy down memory lane. Downtown San Diego’s Balboa Theatre turns 100 in 2024 — let’s run through the landmark’s history and centennial celebrations. Raise the curtains, it’s showtime.
Balboa Theatre in 1972 — nearly 50 years into its life as a downtown San Diego performing arts and movie venue.
Photo via San Diego City Clerk Archives
✨ Showstopping moments
Designed by architect William H. Wheeler
, the $800,000 venue debuted in late March 1924 as a vaudeville and movie theater. The building’s design was partly inspired by the Spanish Colonial Revival architecture
seen about a decade prior in the construction of Balboa Park — we thought that tiled dome
looked familiar.
- 1934: After remodeling, the venue reopened as Teatro Balboa, with a focus on films from Mexico City and Latino stars.
- Early 1940s: During World War II, the office space served as housing for US military soldiers.
- 1959: The Russo family bought the theater, saving it from demolition. It reopened as an “action movie house.”
- 1972: The theater was placed on the local Historic Register .
Inside the Balboa Theatre — the ornate decor is one-of-a-kind.
Photo via @historictheatrephotos
- 1985: The city’s redevelopment agency acquired the site.
- 1996: It was added to the National Register of Historic Places .
- 2002: The City of San Diego committed to preserving the site as a community asset; renovations began a few years later.
- 2008: With a $26.5 million renovation, the 1,339-capacity venue reopened .
Today, Balboa Theatre offers a robust lineup of entertainment year-round.
Photo via @kidfrom619
🎟️ Modern times
Today, Balboa Theatre features a robust, year-round events lineup — from live music and dance to stand-up comedy and podcast tours.
The site’s centennial celebration
is planned for Thursday, March 28-Saturday, March 30, with four special events
:
- 100th Anniversary Gala | Acclaimed pianist and playwright Hershey Felder will lead this show inspired by 100 years of famous American music.
- Centennial Salute | This tribute will honor the venue’s ties to San Diego’s military with a screening of the silent film, “The Flying Fleet,” accompanied by organist Ken Double.
- Toons and Tunes | Bring the kids to this one — classic cartoons will play on the big screen while Ken Double plays the organ; wear your Roaring 1920s attire.
- San Diego Spotlight | The 100th anniversary celebration culminates with performances from local arts organizations from all of the city’s districts.