A Century of Creativity, A Vision for the Future
Since opening its doors in 1926, The San Diego Museum of Art has served as a cultural cornerstone of Southern California. Located in the heart of Balboa Park, the Museum is the region’s largest and most-visited art museum, welcoming more than half a million visitors annually. The Museum has established itself as a vital institution for world-class exhibitions, arts education, and cultural dialogue. Its collection spans centuries and continents, from Spanish Old Masters to South Asian miniature paintings to Contemporary works that reflect the evolving global landscape. For generations, SDMA has inspired curiosity, fostered creativity, and brought the transformative power of art to the San Diego community.
In 2026, The San Diego Museum of Art celebrates 100 years of serving the community through art and bringing the world’s greatest art to San Diego. In recognition of this remarkable milestone and looking ahead to the next century with plans for a transformative west wing expansion, SDMA presents a Centennial Celebration that not only honors the past but offers a bold vision for the future of art, community, and cultural engagement in San Diego. The year will feature groundbreaking exhibitions, dynamic public programs, and unforgettable events that reflect the vibrancy and diversity of our region.
We invite you to join us as a partner in this landmark year and help shape and support the next 100 years of creativity, impact, and public access to the arts.
Birthday Fest
Celebrate 100 years of art, community, and creativity with a full day of unforgettable experiences at The San Diego Museum of Art. From interactive activities, pop-up performances, family art-making, and a cake tasting like no other, this is not your typical museum day. Come for an hour or stay all day. It’s our biggest celebration yet, and everyone’s invited to be part of the moment that marks a century of inspiration.
The Cake Party
Saturday, February 28, 2026 | 2:00–5:00 p.m.
Celebrate the Museum’s centennial with a cake party 100 years in the making.
Centennial Exhibitions
Support the Centennial
Become a Centennial Sponsor and partner with SDMA in this landmark year. Help shape and support the next 100 years of creativity, impact, and public access to the arts in San Diego!
The Next 100 Years
The San Diego Museum of Art has been a cornerstone of Balboa Park since its inauguration in 1926. As the Museum celebrates its centennial, and with significant expansion of the collection, momentous plans are underway to launch into the next 100 years. Our next century will include a transformative redesign of The San Diego Museum of Art West Wing that will enhance collection space, make the Museum more accessible, and integrate with the Museum’s main 1926 structure while respecting the architectural style and historical significance of Balboa Park. We invite you to learn more in our ongoing exhibition A New Vision for a New Century, join our email list, and explore project updates and donate online.
