Explore and Learn
In October 2003, Niki de Saint Phalle’s Queen Califia’s Magical Circle opened in Escondido, California. The garden promised to become an instantaneous cultural landmark for the region, a special and enchanted place where families can play, discover and interact with large, brilliantly-colored mosaic sculptures that represent stories and symbols from the state’s mythic and historic past.
Explore and Learn Fact Sheet (PDF)
Explora y Aprende Hoja Informativa (PDF)
Related Works in San Diego
Educator Resources
Enhance your visit to the Queen Califia sculpture with our downloadable educational resources, thoughtfully designed for K–12 students. These materials include pre- and post-visit activities that support meaningful engagement with the Garden's artistic, cultural, and historical significance. Whether you're an educator planning a field trip or a parent preparing for a family visit, these resources provide valuable context and creative learning opportunities for students of all ages.
K-2nd Grade
Make Your Own Sculpture Garden (PDF)
Scavenger Hunt K-2 (PDF)
Create Your Own Fairytale (PDF)
3rd-5th Grade
Match the Art Terms (PDF)
Make Your Own Sculpture Garden (PDF)
Scavenger Hunt 3-5 (PDF)
Recapping my Visit (PDF)
6th-8th Grade
Visiting Queen Califia (PDF)
9th-12th Grade
Who was Queen Califia (PDF)
To plan your group or class visit, please see the Visitor Guide. https://www.escondido.gov/1253/Visitor-Guide