WorldBeat Cultural Center — Attraction in San Diego

This renovated 1 million gallon water tower on the edge of Balboa Park was repurposed and revitalized by the vision and hard work of Makeda Cheatom, the World Beat Center Team, and the loving community that surrounds it. Over 23 years later it’s doors have been open every day to all people, regardless of color or creed, as a place to celebrate all cultures, all art, all music, all dance, and all people. With the inside walls covered in murals by local artists brightly commemorating important leaders and historical cultures, there are multiple galleries and small shops within the building serving healthy local foods, locally sourced goods, and a gallery of art and artifacts. Flags of all the nations are flying from the ceiling while the stage and dancefloor have been host of hundreds of famous and upcoming acts, artists, and events to the delight of tens of thousands of fans and attendees. Known throughout California and Mexico for its exterior murals celebrating Egyptian, African, and Indigenous Cultures, the WorldBeat Center is leading as one of the most-important multicultural art and event centers in San Diego. Throughout the years, the sustainable advancements to the building has garnered such achievements as: LEED Certified Building USGBC Green Building Fully Sustainable Recycling and Composting Program Six Solar Tube Lighting Fixtures Handi-capable Bathroom Facilities Balboa Park Sustainability Award...

Worldbeat Center is at the heart of many movements and serves to cultivate peace for all living beings. I would compare this place to the museums of Balboa Park, yet it is so very much more.

I love so many things about this place: the lively dance parties, the sustainable garden, the children's program, international school and the charismatic leader's passion for speaking to the rich indigenous history uniting the roots of all people. There is Kombucha on tap which is fresh and delicious. There is a cafe and kitchen open on select days. Also, you can rent the space for events! All generations and cultures are at home here. This is a place for the people.

So I consider this a living museum and a place where culture and science collide in the dance of life. From the Earth to the Stars, Worldbeat Center brings wisdom into cultural consideration. As a center of expanding concern the subjects "curated" in this cultural nexus run the gamut from sustainable gardening to astronomy as the history of wisdom is given voice. Peace is a practice and in San Diego, Worldbeat Center keeps the heart beat of unity alive and well situated in this living museum of soul, spirit and...

The WorldBeat Cultural Center is a wonder. It was the best part of my visit to San Diego--I was impressed with the embrace San Diego would give to a African and Indigenous-centered establishment and was uber impressed with Makeda's extreme warmth and friendliness. My food was excellent (be sure to try the patties--I wish I had one right now!), I took a dance class and also visited the extensive gardens. My only wish is that I could have come there more, as I was invited and welcomed to do. I had to visit other sites--most impressive was Chicano Park--and so didn't get to enjoy the fullness with Miss Makeda and friends. I will be back and I would say don't hesitate to go if you are considering it...there's something for everyone and if nothing else the place is a visual...