San Diego Museum of Art (SDMA)
1450 El Prado, San Diego, California
The San Diego Museum of Art (SDMA) is at the center of Balboa Park. Inside the ornamented building, you’ll find an extensive art collection that spans more than 7,000 years, from great works by European masters, such as El Greco and Francisco Goya, to an array of South Asian paintings, sculpture, and American and Latin American art.
The museum offers cultural and educational programs for the whole family. Its collections and exhibitions showcase artwork and artifacts from around the world and include works by artists such as, Henri Matisse, Salvador Dali, Claude Monet, Georgia O'Keeffe, Diego Rivera, Rufino Tamayo, and more. The temporary exhibits are always changing, so there’s always something new to see.
The museum also hosts workshops, art cafes, art after hours, and special events. Docent tours are offered most days. For those looking to save money, entry is included in a discounted multi-attraction pass.
Expect to spend a few hours exploring the collections and major exhibitions.
Buy your tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line at the ticket booth.
The museum is wheelchair accessible and offers Wi-Fi.
Set aside some time to visit the museum store and Panama 66 restaurant.
There are several ways to reach the San Diego Museum of Art, located in Balboa Park. Ride the Route 120, Route 7, or Rapid 215 bus routes, or hop on the free tram that loops through the park. If you're driving, follow Laurel Street until it ends at the Plaza de Panama, adjacent to the museum.
The art museum is open every day, except Wednesday, and there isn’t really a bad time to visit. If possible, avoid visiting on the third Tuesday of every month when the museum offers free admission for San Diego residents as these days tend to be busy. The museum is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
The San Diego Museum of Art is located in the heart of Balboa Park, just steps from museums and attractions, such as the Fleet Science Center, San Diego Museum of Man, and Spanish Village Art Center. Other park highlights include the California Tower, the Old Globe Theatre, the Japanese Friendship Garden, and the San Diego Zoo.
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