History Transformed Through Art and Community

This is Arts District Liberty Station, a living legacy of service reimagined through the arts.

From Naval Base to Arts District

Established in 1923, San Diego’s Naval Training Center (NTC) served as the entry point for nearly 2 million recruits, a place of learning, leadership, and national service. For most of the 20th century, its barracks, parade grounds, and iconic Spanish Colonial Revival architecture helped define San Diego as a Navy town.

When the base officially closed in 1997, the City of San Diego selected the Corky McMillin Companies to redevelop the site. At the heart of that vision? The belief that part of this space should serve the public, not only through housing and commerce, but through creativity, education, and culture.

A Vision Born from Boldness

Founded in 2000, the NTC Foundation set out to transform 26 historic buildings into a dynamic cultural district. What began as an ambitious vision became Arts District Liberty Station, a 100-acre creative campus now home to artists, educators, nonprofits, performers, and innovators.

Thanks to civic leaders, visionaries, and thousands of supporters, what began as a dream has become a nationally recognized model for arts, culture, and community-based placemaking.

A Cultural Heartbeat for San Diego

Arts District Liberty Station isn’t just a historic place; it’s a purpose. A community. A canvas for the region’s creative spirit. We believe art isn’t just decoration, it’s direction.

As a nonprofit organization, we proudly support:

Artists and creatives through affordable studios and residencies.
Youth through free arts education via Liberty School.
The public through exhibitions, performances, festivals, and events.
Tenants and partners with capacity-building and collaboration opportunities.

Our Mission

To activate a dynamic and historic campus where enriching cultural experiences, impactful learning opportunities, and inspiring events are accessible to all.

Our Vision

To be a world-class arts district in the transborder region where creativity, culture, and community thrive.

Celebrating a Legacy. Creating the Future.

As we approach our 25th anniversary, we celebrate milestones like:

But there’s more to do, buildings to restore, voices to uplift, stories to share. Whether you visit, donate, partner, or simply tell a friend, you become part of the next chapter.