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.) This is a lovely way to see why the FOVM is dedicated to this extraordinarily beautiful historic site!)

The magnificent Villa Montezuma Museum

Welcome from the Friends of the Villa Montezuma, Inc. (FOVM), the nonprofit 501-c-3 organization solely devoted to the magnificent Villa Montezuma. We welcome you to San Diego’s most 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 and is currently open quarterly for free interior tours by the FOVM. 

NEXT TOURS: See inside during the next free tours on March 7, 2020! Other tour dates: June 6, August 15, and October 17. At this time the museum is not available for tours other than these dates. Registration for the tours will be through the City’s event website at www.SDRecConnect.com. Set up your free account, then search for “Villa,” NOT “Villa Montezuma.” You’ll see tour times on the half hour from 9:00 am through noon. Pick your tour time, then before “check out” (there is no cost) you can add to your tour the other family members or friends you added to your account. Those with reservations will be taken first. If you walk up without a reservation, we will take walk-ups but you’ll have to fill out the City’s liability waiver. We’ll get you on the next available tour with space. Remember, there is no eating, drinking, or photography allowed inside this historic site.

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.

Restoration Thanks to CDBG Funding & the City

In 2015 the restoration of the foundation, roof, and chimneys was completed thanks to a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). Because of this federal grant, the museum must be open four times each year at no charge to the public. The FOVM conducts these historic tours on behalf of the City of San Diego, owner of the museum. The FOVM is working with the City of San Diego to restore the museum exterior.

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.