SAN DIEGO (CNS) - The iconic tower rising from the Museum of Man at Balboa Park, which has been closed to the public for 80 years, reopened Thursday.
Rep. Scott Peters, D-San Diego, and Councilman Todd Gloria were among the officials who will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony at noon at the California Tower.
The building, which combines multiple architectural styles and is influenced by styles from Mexico and Spain, is visible from around much of Central San Diego. In turn, the structure provides sweeping views of the city.
The event was part of the centennial celebration of Balboa Park, which opened in 1915 for the Panama-California Exposition. The tower was closed after a second international expo in 1935 and fell into disrepair.
According to the museum, only the first of three viewing decks will be open to the public, since the other two need to have safety features installed.
A ticket good for general admission to the museum and a tour of the tower costs $22.50 for adults, $20 for military with identification and seniors, $18 for youth and students, and $16 for children 6 and up. Kids under 6 are not allowed.
Tickets are $10 for museum members and holders of Explorer Passes.
Water bottles, purses, backpacks and other items are not allowed in the tower. Museum staff will provide storage facilities.
A list of prohibited items and other information is online at http://www.museumofman.org/california-tower.