Support Organizations
25 Works of Art You Must See
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have access for visitors with disabilities?
How can I contact someone at the Museum?
What are the membership levels and benefits?
Where should I park and how much does it cost?
How can I get to the Museum on public transportation?
How much time should I allow to view the Museum?
Is there a restaurant or café at the Museum?
Do you have any guided tours or audio tours?
Are there signature works of art that I cannot miss?
Do you offer any senior, student or military discounts?
Do you allow the use of cell phones?
What is proper museum etiquette?
Do you offer field trips or educational programs?
Do you accommodate large groups?
Where can I purchase admission?
Do you accommodate different languages?
What can I leave at coat check?
Children of all ages will find The San Diego Museum of Art to be a fun and fascinating place to explore. The Museum offers special programs just for children and families. We request one adult chaperone for every ten children under the age of 15.
You are welcome to take non-flash photography of our permanent collection. We do not permit photography on Resident Free Tuesdays, December Nights, or during Art Alive.
Do you have access for visitors with disabilities?
The San Diego Museum of Art is wheelchair and mobility scooter friendly. Find the access ramp entrance at the east end of the front of the Museum.
We are open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sundays 12 noon to 5:00 p.m. During the Summer (Memorial Day through Labor Day), we are open until 9:00 p.m. on Fridays.
With the exception of assistance animals, pets are not allowed in the Museum.
How can I contact someone at the Museum?
You may contact 619-232-7931 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 a.m. or email info@sdmart.org.
Admission covers our permanent collection and non-ticketed special exhibitions. We also offer a variety of programs that are free after admission including Docent Tours, ArtStop, ARTivities, Summer Salon Series, Family Drop in Day and more.
The Museum Store stocks San Diego’s most comprehensive selection of art books. Browse the exquisite jewelry, beautiful gifts, uncommon home décor, amusing toys and find the unexpected. Whether you're looking for the perfect gift or a piece of the Museum to call your own, The Museum Store has something for everyone. Proceeds from every sale benefit the Museum's educational and exhibition programs.
What are the membership levels and benefits?
Membership starts at $35 and offers many benefits. Visit our Membership page for more information.
Where should I park and how much does it cost?
We are located in the heart of Balboa Park with many options for parking at no cost.
How can I get to the Museum on public transportation?
The Museum is easily accessed using the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS). The two main bus routs through Balboa Park are:
- Route 120 Downtown – Kearny Mesa Transit Center via Hillcrest, Fashion Valley & Linda Vista
- Route 7 Downtown – La Mesa
How much time should I allow to view the Museum?
Stop for a few minutes or spend the day – there’s always something new to view or experience.
There is no formal dress code, but we suggest casual sportswear and comfortable walking shoes. Special events held at the Museum may suggest more formal attire.
No food or drinks are allowed in the gallery spaces.
Is there a restaurant or café at the Museum?
The Sculpture Court Café is located in our Sculpture Garden and features fresh casual fare for the whole family.
Do you have any guided tours or audio tours?
We offer twice-daily Docent guided tours throughout the week, with three tours on Saturday. We also offer 15 minute tours called ArtStops led by an educator or Curator at noon every Thursday and the third Tuesday of every month. Ask at the Visitor Relations desk for available IPod tours and look for the QR codes beside works of art thoughout the galleries.
Are there signature works of art that I cannot miss?
We have wide range of artworks for all time periods and all around the globe. Visit our 25 Works of Art You Must See page to look at staff picks and vote for your favorite, then come in to see them in person.
Do you offer any senior, student or military discounts?
We are pleased to offer discounts to seniors, full time college students and our service personnel. In addition, we offer special rates for youth. Children under six are free. Visit the Hours and Admissions and Special Offers pages for a full list of prices, discounts and offers.
Do you allow the use of cell phones?
The use of cell phones is limited to the lobby areas of the Museum.
What is proper museum etiquette?
Please do not run in the Museum, touch the works of art, or speak in a loud manner. Courtesy of fellow visitors and protection of the art work is the goal.
Twelve inches is a comfortable ‘buffer’ zone when viewing artwork.
The San Diego Museum of Art’s permanent collection is all encompassing, with objects from across the globe, and ranging in date from 5,000 B.C. to the present. Perhaps best known for its Spanish old master paintings, the Museum holds a broad collection of European, American, Latin American, and Asian Art. We also regularly have special exhibitions on view.
The Museum of Art does not sell works of art.
We offer a wide selection of lectures, programs, and social events throughout the year. Visit our Calendar page for details on upcoming events, or to sort by event type. The Museum is also available as a venue for private events.
Do you offer field trips or educational programs?
We offer many educational programs and opportunities for school tours throughout the year, as well as educational resources for teachers and educators. We serve children, adults, educators, and families in the San Diego area through educational and interpretive programs and performances in the Museum's galleries, classrooms, and auditorium, and through outreach programs in the community.
We offer discounts for groups of 10 or more when arranged and paid for in advance. Visit our Group Visits page for more information on the pricing and benefits available for groups.
Do you accommodate large groups?
We can accommodate groups of all sizes. Please visit our Group Visits page for more information.
Where can I purchase admission?
Admission tickets may be purchase at the door or online.
Do you accommodate different languages?
All exhibition information is available in English and Spanish. Other languages can be accommodated with advance notice. Contact www.info@sdmart.org to make arrangements.
What can I leave at coat check?
Room permitting, you may check umbrellas, backpacks, baby carriers, food or beverage and other items not permitted in the galleries.
Lost or found items may be turned in or claimed through our Security Department. To speak with a representative, call 619-232-7931.
