Every World Design Capital has the opportunity to create a structure to be utilized during the designation year as an activated space and representation of design in the region. This year, “Plaza de Panama is the chosen home to the EXCHANGE Pavilion will serve as the central meeting point for the San Diego-Tijuana region.” The Pavilion, designed by Heleo Architecture in collaboration with Daniel Ruanova Studio, symbolizes the essence of our interconnected cross-border region.
The Pavilion is in the heart of historic Balboa Park, on the Plaza de Panama. Parking options are available throughout the park. The closest parking lot is in the Alcazar lot, located South and West of Plaza de Panama and just a short walk away. The Organ Pavilion parking lot has abundant parking and is a 10-minute walk from the Plaza. Additional parking may be in the Inspiration Point, Palisades, Federal, Balboa, Natural History, and Zoo parking lots.
Trams run daily from parking areas at Inspiration Point, Pan American Plaza, and behind the Hall of Champions, stopping at the Plaza de Panama. Make sure to visit the Traffic Alerts page for up-to-date information before your visit. View directions, view a Balboa Park map, or call 619.232.7931 for additional information.
Departing from Tram Central, next to the large parking lots near Inspiration Point (East of Park Boulevard at Presidents Way), accessible Balboa Park Trams operate daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00p.m. (extended hours in the summer). Leaving every 10 to 12 minutes, they follow a loop route, taking passengers to a drop-off station in the Plaza de Panama.
In 2024, Plaza de Panama in Balboa Park will host the
‘WDC Exchange Pavilion,’ an active space designed by
Heleo Architecture in collaboration with Daniel Ruanova
Studio, that will represent and serve as a symbolic
space connecting our cross-border communities.
From August to November 2024, the EXCHANGE Pavilion
will host various activities, including talks, presentations,
pop-up exhibits, and installations by community
partners from both sides of the border.
This space will offer exciting and creative programs for
everyone to enjoy.
