Opened in 2014 within SDMA's Marcy S. May Sculpture Garden, Panama 66 is operated by Jeff Motch and Lee Chase of the Normal Heights-based Blind Lady Ale House. The restaurant has become a local favorite, known for its craft beers, cocktails, food, and live music events. The impending redesign of SDMA may lead to either the relocation or closure of this iconic eatery, as current plans call for shifting the museum's entrance to the current location of the restaurant.
As SDMA's redesign progresses, the future of Panama 66 remains uncertain. With its decade-long role as a cultural anchor and one of Balboa Park's most popular dining spots, any potential changes will be closely followed by the community. Though Panama 66 did not respond to inquiries at the time of publication, an SDMA representative issued the following statement:
"Panama 66 is an integral part of the San Diego Museum of Art, and we hope to continue this partnership through the renovation and beyond. While the building that houses Panama 66 will undergo transformation as part of the project, offering a variety of diverse food and beverage options is a core element of our vision for the reimagined museum experience."
Internationally acclaimed English architecture firm Foster + Partners has been commissioned to develop the renovation. Early renderings reveal a new west wing that preserves the Spanish Colonial Revival style characteristic of Balboa Park while modernizing museum facilities. The proposed structure will include shaded loggias on a two-story exterior with two additional stories of gallery and archive space underground, doubling the museum's current exhibition area.
A significant element of the renovation will be the creation of a community-focused outdoor area, featuring a new education center, a reading room, and the preservation of the sculpture garden, which sits behind Panama 66. The current steel fencing will be removed to provide open access to the garden.
In addition to the museum's educational programming, three dining options are planned: a grab-and-go market, a casual café on the ground floor, and an upscale rooftop restaurant overlooking Balboa Park. There has been no indication of who will operate the new dining venues or whether Panama 66 will be part of the plan.
While SDMA and Foster + Partners are still in the planning phase of the renovation without an estimated completion date, this new space taking over the current Panama 66 restaurant will function as the museum's main entrance and aims to create a more accessible, community-oriented experience. A water feature and additional trees are proposed for the front courtyard, enhancing the approach to the main building.
The exhibit Foster + Partners: Architecture of Light and Space will showcase a large model of the new SDMA wing, alongside interactive displays, in the museum’s Gallery 18 through April 27. This exhibit includes models and designs of Foster + Partners' notable projects, such as Apple's Cupertino headquarters and the Grand Court at the British Museum.
For SDMA, the west wing renovation represents an opportunity to expand its educational and cultural offerings while improving accessibility and infrastructure. New spaces for learning and art engagement will be open to the public, with improved access for all visitors, including those with mobility challenges. Behind the scenes, upgraded storage and environmental controls will enhance preservation efforts for the museum's growing collection.
Although some local architecture historians have voiced concerns over the plan to replace the 1966 Robert Mosher-designed west wing, SDMA’s leadership emphasizes the necessity of these upgrades to meet modern standards. The building’s aging infrastructure - outdated electrical panels, plumbing, and storage facilities - requires significant maintenance, and the existing structure lacks accommodations for contemporary museum needs.
SDMA Executive Director and CEO Roxana Velazquez highlighted the role of community feedback in shaping the redesign. In surveys and discussions, residents emphasized the need for more affordable dining options, flexible event spaces, interactive experiences, and improved accessibility.
Founded in 1926, the San Diego Museum of Art is the region’s oldest and largest art museum, featuring intricate façades that reflect Spanish plateresque design. Over nearly a century, it has expanded its collections and exhibitions, evolving into a vital cultural center. The 1966 west wing addition enhanced its gallery space, allowing for educational facilities, an auditorium, and ultimately, the addition of Panama 66 in the sculpture garden.
As SDMA's redesign progresses, the future of Panama 66 remains uncertain. With its decade-long role as a cultural anchor and one of Balboa Park's most popular dining spots, any potential changes will be closely followed by the community. Though Panama 66 did not respond to inquiries at the time of publication, an SDMA representative issued the following statement:
This upcoming overhaul of SDMA is part of ongoing improvements in Balboa Park, which has seen several historic preservation projects in recent years. The Botanical Building is expected to reopen just in time for San Diego's popular December Nights event following a nearly three year closure to perform a $28 million ground-up reconstruction. The Starlight Bowl, a once-popular open-air amphitheater, is also slated for renovation. The City of San Diego is also looking for a new tenant to revitalize and reopen a new restaurant in the historic Village Grill space, a popular site near the Spanish Village Art Center. The City also signed a 25-year lease with the WorldBeat Center this July, supporting cultural programming and upgrades for the venue.
For more information on the ongoing redesign and current exhibits, visit sdmart.org and check out the video below.
Originally published on November 7, 2024.
