The Jacobs Music Center began life as The Fox Theatre movie palace in 1929, part of the famous nationwide Fox Theatres chain. It became the property of the San Diego Symphony in 1984 and was extensively renovated at that time.

In early 2022, the San Diego Symphony made the decision to take on a major project to restore and renovate its historic home, the Jacobs Music Center, as a long-term commitment to the vitality of downtown San Diego and an investment in the artistic ambitions of the orchestra. The project honors the history of the Jacobs Music Center’s building, while greatly enhancing the musical and performance experience for artists and audiences alike, resulting in a premier venue for music presentations.