You have 2 trips in progress.   See all
Trip Planner:   USA  /  California  /  San Diego  /  San Diego Museum of Art

San Diego Museum of Art, San Diego

4.2
Art Museum · Museum
Create an itinerary including San Diego Museum of Art
The San Diego Museum of Art is a fine arts museum located at 1450 El Prado in Balboa Park in San Diego, California that houses a broad collection with particular strength in Spanish art. The San Diego Museum of Art opened as The Fine Arts Gallery of San Diego on February 28, 1926, and changed its name to the San Diego Museum of Art in 1978. The official Balboa Park website calls the San Diego Museum of Art "the region's oldest and largest art museum". Nearly half a million people visit the museum each year.
Plan to see San Diego Museum of Art and other attractions that appeal to you using our San Diego online trip itinerary planner.
Source
Improve this listing »
Create a full itinerary - for free!

San Diego Museum of Art reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.0
314 reviews
Google
4.6
TripAdvisor
  • The museum is well maintained with lovely high ceilings and dark coloured walls which enhance the mood of each room. I particularly liked the flowers and landscape pictures. Brightly coloured and... 
    The museum is well maintained with lovely high ceilings and dark coloured walls which enhance the mood of each room. I particularly liked the flowers and landscape pictures. Brightly coloured and...  more »
  • Well worth the $25 entrance fee. There was a Monet to Matisse exhibit on loan from a gallery in Toulouse France. Never will I probably be able to see this caliber art this up close again! Highly... 
    Well worth the $25 entrance fee. There was a Monet to Matisse exhibit on loan from a gallery in Toulouse France. Never will I probably be able to see this caliber art this up close again! Highly...  more »
  • Decided on a whim to take in the popular Renoir to Matisse exhibit. The Museum is part of the Balboa Park complex which includes the famous zoo and multitudes of arts spaces and exhibitions. The... 
    Decided on a whim to take in the popular Renoir to Matisse exhibit. The Museum is part of the Balboa Park complex which includes the famous zoo and multitudes of arts spaces and exhibitions. The...  more »
Google
  • Accessibility: unfortunately there is no close parking for this museum or really anything in Balboa Park. Bring your own wheelchair if you need assistance getting around far distances because that's everything here. Inside this museum, however, they do have a ramp to get up to the museum, and an elevator inside to go to the different levels of the museum. The museum has air conditioning in the summer time. Experience: beautiful museum inside and out. They have some art collections that stay forever and some that just come here temporarily for a month or so. The prices are great for getting in, and you can buy tickets at the door or online. The art is beautiful and the employees are helpful.
  • Really enjoyed this museum. There’s a lot more than I expected. They have additional exhibitions occasionally and have a surprisingly extensive selection of Art. Anything from East Asian Tomb art or Renaissance and a little Picasso print. It’s a great little museum and well worth a visit if staying in San Diego and visiting Balboa Park. Afterwards you can stroll through the whole park.
  • I can’t believe I haven’t visited this one. A very pleasant experience since it’s a manageable size and got to really appreciate and admire the current impressionist exhibit especially Monet, Picasso and Bonnard to name a few. It’s organized from entry to the actual exhibits. The building facade is very pretty and right next to Prado. The extra 5 dollars for the special exhibit is really worth it. The outside premises is nice to just walk about.
  • Very cool but small. Definitely try their augmented reality feature on the free app. It's a little tricky but once you get it, it's pretty awesome. It brings the painting to life and adds movement. It's really cool. If you're a San Diego resident go on the free day.
  • Get out of your zone and visit Art that isn't what you hear /see/ think about. This photographic exhibit from an Iranian artist was amazing! The joy and love of film, in its most basic form was....just lovely. Unfortunately, its position is not conducive to an area allowing for free thought. Still...try to get a glimpse.

Plan your trip to San Diego

  • Get a personalized trip
    A full day by day itinerary based on your preferences
  • Customize it
    Refine your trip. We'll find the
    best routes and schedules
  • Book it
    Choose from the best hotels and activities. Up to 50% off
  • Manage it
    Everything in one place. Everyone on the same page.