San Diego’s cherished international cottages (By Frank Sabatini Jr.)

Did You Know…

By Frank Sabatini Jr.

…that 32 nations and cultural groups are represented by a consortium of cottages tucked away in a grassy storybook setting of Balboa Park?

The quaint structures are located at 2294 Pan American Plaza, just west of the Spreckels Organ Pavilion. But many park visitors walk right past the area without ever noticing it. 

Founded and run by the House of Pacific Relations, the enclave of cottages is staffed by representatives of the various countries. They are onsite from 11:00a to 4:00p every Saturday and Sunday to provide information about their heritages through historical displays. Some of the reps offer beverages and snacks for small donations.

The represented countries include Denmark, Peru, Poland, Israel, Italy, China and many others. Even the U.S. has its own “house,” where visitors can learn about American inventions, hiking trails and presidents.

Most of the cottages were built in 1935 for the California Pacific International Exposition. Although in 2021, nine new ones were added in an expansion program that was funded by grants and private donations. Those included cottages for Palestine, Korea, Turkey and Mexico.