San Jose

Villa Montalvo

The Montalvo Villa, also known as the Montalvo Arts Center, is an expansive estate comprising a grand old Italian-style villa, beautiful gardens, miles of hiking trails and an arboretum.

Arts and culture

The Villa was built in 1914 by James Duvall Phelan who bequeathed the premises to the county of Santa Clara (which also encompasses the city of San Jose), to be used for the development of the arts. True to his request, the Villa has emerged as one of the premier hubs for creative expression in Silicon Valley.

Discover a Californian treasure

The Villa Montalvo is a remarkable destination. If you’re the outdoorsy kind, there are lovely, well-maintained trails that wind through charming woods. If you’re the arty type, you’ll fall for the nuggets of creativity spread across the picturesque landscape including works of art and imaginative signs.

Locals like to picnic on the Great Lawn while visitors enjoy the immaculately maintained Italianate Garden, the thematic Blue Garden and the unusual Phelan Cactus Garden.

There’s a lot more to Villa Montalvo if you can spare the time to discover it for yourself.

 

Handy tips

  • The Villa is not open to public unless you’re on a guided tour or for an event. However, the rest of their grounds can be freely accessed.
  • The Park may close early for special events and concerts. Please check their website before planning your visit.