Villa Montezuma Introductory Video by the FOVM and City TV (Click above to see the 9-minute introduction to the museum, created by the FOVM and City TV.)

The Friends of the Villa Montezuma, Inc. (FOVM) is a 501-c-3 organization solely devoted to the magnificent Villa Montezuma, San Diego’s amazing Queen Anne Victorian house museum and cultural center. The Villa is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum is owned by the City of San Diego.

SATURDAY, JUNE 18, WALKING TOUR OF JESSE SHEPARD’S NEIGHBORHOOD, 10:00 am - noon: See the Sherman Heights Historic District from Jesse Shepard’s perspective! Take this 2-hour historic and architectural walk of the western side of the district to learn about the people who lived here and see how the city grew. Learn what makes this neighborhood dynamic and special today! Physical requirements: must be able to stand and walk for two hours and walk up a slight hill (we take the most gentle slope up the “heights”). Reserve now by texting us at 619-233-8833. Pay in person on June 18. Plenty of free street parking near the Villa on Saturday mornings. Brief orientation will happen in the Bistro room (basement meeting space) at the Villa before the walk begins.

Cost per person:

1. -$20 (includes tour of the Villa Montezuma on one of our standard tours, which can be taken on a different day)
   

2. -$10 FOVM members (members can tour the Villa on any standard tour with their membership)
   

3. -Your guide: Sherman Heights historian and FOVM President Louise Torio, who has lived in the historic district since 1994.
   

VILLA MONTEZUMA MUSEUM TOURS: You can see the entire magnificent, mysterious Villa Montezuma Museum! Tours are on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday on the hour. The first tour begins at 1:00 p.m. and the last tour begins at 4:00 p.m. Admission costs per person:

1. -Adults: $15
   

2. -Active Duty Military, Seniors 65+, and students with ID: $12
   

3. -Children 12 and under: free with a paid adult
   

4. -Group rates for groups of six or more adults: $10
   

School groups: contact us for special education rates

Your admission fee helps us restore the Villa Montezuma Museum!

Reserve your spot now!

1) Please reserve your time slot via texting us at 619-233-8833.

2) Museum location: 1925 K Street, corner of 20th & K, in the Sherman Heights Historic District of San Diego, just east of downtown and the East Village. There is plenty of no-cost parking near the Villa in the neighborhood.

3) For the soft reopening, please bring cash to pay for your admission. Please, no bills over $20.

There is no eating, drinking, or photography allowed inside this historic site. Please, no sharp heels to protect the historic floors.

PoeFest: Thank you to Write Out Loud for an amazing sold out 2021 PoeFest! If you saw PoeFest, now tour the Villa in the daytime to learn about the amazing Jesse Shepard / Francis Grierson and his extraordinary life. We look forward to the return of PoeFest in the last two weeks of October 2022!

One Man, Two Names

The Villa Montezuma is the Historic Jesse Shepard/”Francis Grierson” House.  It was built in 1887 as the home of world famous pianist, author, and Spiritualist Jesse Shepard. Jesse began a writing career in San Diego and took the pen name “Francis Grierson,” a name that he used in life as well as for his writing. The Villa is located in the Sherman Heights Historic District of downtown San Diego, CA, at the corner of 20th & K Streets.  The Sherman Heights Historic District is the largest historic district within San Diego; it has almost 400 contributing historic structures. Learn more by scheduling a walking tour for your group of 10 or more guests.

Ongoing Restoration

In 2015 the restoration of the foundation, roof, and chimneys was completed thanks to a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). However, there is still work to be done. The FOVM is working with the City of San Diego to restore the museum exterior. Your admission fee helps us toward our restoration goals.

You’re invited to join the FOVM to make a difference in the Villa’s future.

The FOVM mailing address:

657 20th Street

San Diego, CA 92102-2810

Physical location of the museum (do not mail to the museum):

corner of 20th & K Streets

Sherman Heights Historic District

San Diego, CA 92102

Questions? Text us: 619-233-8833.