Art Alive COVID-19 Precautions Updated
(in effect April 28-May 1, 2022)
Friday, April 1, 2022
The Museum is following state and local guidelines to help protect against the spread of COVID-19. In the interest of health, safety, and providing a positive experience for all, Art Alive will again be a timed ticketed event. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test result is no longer required for entry to Art Alive and Bloom Bash.
Masks are strongly recommended inside the Museum for all visitors, including youth ages 3 and older.
Please note, the following are not permitted instead of a face mask: gaiters, bandanas, scarves, ski masks, balaclavas, or masks with an exhalation valve.
As COVID-19 guidelines are subject to change, visit this webpage (SDMArt.org/COVID-19-updates) the week of the event for current requirements.
Learn more about Art Alive and get tickets. We look forward to celebrating with you!
SDMA Mask Requirements Updated (Daily Admission)
Thursday, March 10, 2022
The Museum is following state and local guidelines to help protect against the spread of COVID-19. Starting Thursday, March 10, 2022, masks are no longer required, but are strongly recommended inside the Museum for all visitors, including youth ages 3 and older.
Please note that the following are not permitted to be worn instead of a face mask: gaiters, bandanas, scarves, ski masks, balaclavas, or masks with an exhalation valve.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. We look forward to seeing you at the Museum!
Visit the Museum’s reopening webpage to prepare for your visit.
SDMA Mask Requirements Updated (Daily Admission)
Wednesday, February 16, 2022
Starting Wednesday, February 16, 2022, masks are strongly recommended inside the Museum for all visitors, including youth ages 3 and older, regardless of vaccination status. Masks are required for unvaccinated guests. Masks must be properly worn over the nose and mouth, and under the chin while inside the Museum.
Please note, the following are not permitted instead of a face mask: gaiters, bandanas, scarves, ski masks, balaclavas, or masks with an exhalation valve. Face shields are also not allowed instead of a mask, but may be worn over one.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. We look forward to seeing you at the Museum!
Visit the Museum’s reopening webpage to prepare for your visit.
Art Alive COVID-19 Precautions
(in effect April 28-May 1, 2022)
Wednesday, February 16, 2022
The Museum is following state and local guidelines to help protect against the spread of COVID-19. In the interest of health, safety, and providing a positive experience for all, Art Alive will again be a timed ticketed event. Additionally, proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test result will be required for entry to Art Alive and Bloom Bash. All attendees age 18 and older are required to provide identification.
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is defined as either the original vaccination card, a printed copy of the vaccination card, or digital vaccination record (includes photo of vaccination card) with an appropriate ID matching the name on vaccination documentation showing at least 14 days after the receipt of the second dose of a two-dose vaccine or one dose of a single-dose vaccine. Booster shot documentation is not needed at this time.
Proof of Negative COVID-19 test includes a negative antigen test within 24 hours of the event or a negative PCR test within 48 hours of the event for entry. Acceptable proof of a negative COVID-19 test result must be in the form of written documentation (paper or electronic copy). The documentation must include:
- Information that identifies the person (full name plus at least one other identifier such as date of birth or passport number)
- Type of test (indicating it is a PCR or antigen test)
- The entity issuing the result (e.g. laboratory, healthcare entity, or telehealth service)
- Specimen collection date
- Test result
- Photo ID matching the vaccination or negative test record
- Over-the-counter tests will not be accepted as proof of negative results of COVID-19
COVID-19 tests are available at testing sites throughout San Diego County. Visit the San Diego County webpage on COVID-19 testing to find free testing locations near you.
Children under 2 years of age are exempt from the testing requirement, consistent with CDC guidance.
Acceptable proof of vaccination is 1) the physical COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card 2) a photograph of the patron’s COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card, or 3) a digital vaccination record. All California residents may request a digital vaccination record at https://myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov.
Masks are strongly recommended inside the Museum for all vaccinated visitors. Masks are required indoors for all unvaccinated visitors, including youth ages 3 and older.
Please note, the following are not permitted instead of a face mask: gaiters, bandanas, scarves, ski masks, balaclavas, or masks with an exhalation valve. Face shields are also not allowed instead of a mask, but may be worn over one.
As COVID-19 guidelines are subject to change, visit this webpage (SDMArt.org/COVID-19-updates) the week of the event for current requirements.
Learn more about Art Alive and get tickets. We look forward to celebrating with you!
The San Diego Museum of Art reserves the right to deny admission to any patron who does not provide the necessary documentation or follow any COVID-19-related policy.
SDMA Mask Requirements Updated (Daily Admission)
Monday, December 13, 2021
Starting Wednesday, December 15, 2021, masks are required inside the Museum for all visitors, including youth ages 3 and older, regardless of vaccination status. Masks must be properly worn over the nose and mouth, and under the chin while inside the Museum.
Please note, the following are not permitted instead of a face mask: gaiters, bandanas, scarves, ski masks, balaclavas, or masks with an exhalation valve. Face shields are also not allowed instead of a mask, but may be worn over one.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. We look forward to seeing you at the Museum!
Visit the Museum’s reopening webpage to prepare for your visit.
SDMA Safety Guidelines Update
Tuesday, June 15, 2021
Effective July 1, 2021, following updated CDC guidelines and the reopening of California, the Museum is easing visitor restrictions put in place to help protect against the spread of COVID-19. As restrictions ease, it remains paramount for some safety measures to remain in place.
- Masks Required Indoors if Unvaccinated: Masks are required indoors for those not vaccinated against COVID-19. The Museum welcomes guests of all ages from around the world, so we want to continue to protect visitors in the Museum galleries. It is also important that we continue to protect our youngest visitors and others who are not yet able to be vaccinated.
- Temperature Screenings Eased: Visitors will no longer be required to undergo temperature screenings before entering the Museum.
- Full Capacity: The Museum will now resume operating at full capacity. Physical distancing is no longer required. Timed ticketing will remain in place for Art Alive to allow for an optimal event experience, but timed entry is otherwise not in place.
- Enhanced Cleaning Continues: Hand sanitizer will continue to be available throughout the Museum and enhanced cleaning schedules of high-touch areas will remain in place.
- Coat Check Reopened: Please leave larger items at home. Coat check is now open and bags exceeding 16x16x8 inches will need to be checked prior to guest entry to the Museum. Food, drink, and umbrellas are not allowed in the museum and must be checked. Additional items may be checked at our discretion. Thank you for keeping our works of art safe.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. We look forward to seeing you at the Museum!
Visit the Museum’s reopening webpage to prepare for your visit.
SDMA Reopening to Public March 20, 2021
Wednesday, March 17, 2021
The San Diego Museum of Art will reopen to the general public on Saturday, March 20, 2021, following a temporary closure due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Museum members will receive early access to the Museum on Friday, March 19, 2021, beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Visit the Museum’s reopening webpage to prepare for your visit.
Welcome back to The Museum San Diego Museum of Art!
SDMA Sculpture Garden Reopening Saturday, January 30, 2021
Panama 66 Restaurant Outdoor Dining Resuming Thursday, February 4, 2021
Wednesday, January 27, 2021
The San Diego Museum of Art May S. Marcy Sculpture Garden will reopen beginning Saturday, January 30, 2021.
Panama 66, The San Diego Museum of Art restaurant located in the May S. Marcy Sculpture Court, will resume outdoor dining starting Thursday, February 4. Take in views of the Museum’s Sculpture Garden and enjoy local craft beers on tap, exhibitions-themed cocktails, and locally sourced seasonal sandwiches, salads, and entrees at Panama 66. To-go items will also continue to be offered. Panama 66 Grab & Go items include luxurious salads, sandwiches, and a wide selection of local award-winning beers, wines, and yummy sodas.
Tucked behind Panama 66 and the Museum’s Sculpture Court is the May S. Marcy Sculpture Garden. The garden features lush landscaping and picturesque views of the California Tower, San Diego sunsets, and the abundant nineteenth- and twentieth-century sculptures featured in the Sculpture Garden. The Sculpture Garden is open daily 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Entry is free, masks are required. No food or drink is allowed inside the Sculpture Garden.
We look forward to welcoming you back to the May S. Marcy Sculpture Garden and Panama 66 restaurant. Meanwhile, the Museum remains temporarily closed in support of San Diego’s efforts toward ensuring a safe and healthy community.
Join us in person at the May S. Marcy Sculpture Garden and Panama 66, plus enjoy the extensive Virtual SDMA programming available online, including SDMA 360: A Virtual Gallery Experience, which allows you to roam the Museum from home, and a robust upcoming calendar of virtual events. You can also connect through our Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter channels.
We look forward to welcoming you back to the Museum when state and county officials deem it safe to gather together once more.
Subscribe to the Museum newsletter for information on new virtual offerings and the latest updates about our reopening.
SDMA Sculpture Garden Temporarily Closing Beginning December 7, 2020; Museum Remains Temporarily Closed
Monday, December 7, 2020
Due to an increase in COVID-19 cases in San Diego and across Southern California and implementation of the state’s regional stay-at-home order, the Museum’s May S. Marcy Sculpture Garden will be temporarily closed beginning today, Monday, December 7, 2020.
While the Museum remains closed, please continue to enjoy, explore, and escape with us through art. We have extensive Virtual SDMA programming available to you online, including SDMA 360: A Virtual Gallery Experience, which allows you to roam the Museum from home, and a robust upcoming calendar of virtual events. You can also connect through our Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter channels.
We look forward to welcoming you back to the Museum when state and county officials deem it safe to gather together once more.
Subscribe to the Museum newsletter for information on new virtual offerings and the latest updates about our reopening.
SDMA Temporarily Closing Beginning November 14, 2020
Wednesday, November 11, 2020
Dear San Diego Museum of Art Community,
Due to an increase in COVID-19 cases in San Diego County, the Museum will be temporarily closing beginning Saturday, November 14, 2020, to support San Diego’s efforts toward ensuring a safe and healthy community.
The Museum will be open regular hours on Thursday and Friday, and our Members’ Preview for Masters of Photography: The Garner Collection will continue as scheduled on Friday, November 13, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Not a member? Join today!
While we are temporarily closed, please continue to enjoy and explore art from home through our extensive Virtual SDMA programming and upcoming calendar of virtual events; connect through our Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter channels; and stay tuned for updates by email and via our website.
Thank you for being a vital part of the SDMA community!
SDMA Reopening to Public September 5, 2020
Tuesday, September 1, 2020
The San Diego Museum of Art will reopen to the general public on Saturday, September 5, 2020, following a closure since March 14 due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Museum members will receive early access to the Museum on Friday, September 4, 2020, beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Read the press release for full details of our reopening and visit the Museum’s reopening webpage to prepare for your visit.
Welcome back to The Museum San Diego Museum of Art!
SDMA Remains Temporarily Closed
Tuesday, July 7, 2020
Due to updated requirements announced on July 6 by state & city officials, the Museum’s reopening has been postponed.
Though the Museum remains closed due to COVID-19, the May S. Marcy Sculpture Garden is open daily 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Masks are required. No food or drink allowed.
Subscribe to the Museum newsletter for the latest updates about our reopening.
SDMA Reopens to Public July 9, 2020
Wednesday, June 24, 2020
The San Diego Museum of Art will reopen its doors to the general public on Thursday, July 9, 2020, following a closure since March 14 due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Museum members will receive early access to the Museum on July 6 and 7, 2020, beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Read the press release for full details of our reopening and visit the Museum’s reopening webpage to prepare for your visit.
We look forward to welcoming you back to the Museum!
Art Alive 2020
Friday, March 20, 2020
Dear San Diego Museum of Art Community,
It is through our community’s support and enthusiasm that we receive enormous inspiration and the ability to provide extraordinary exhibitions, programs, and events. The health and safety of our visitors, members, and staff are our top priority. Thus, in order to adhere to guidelines set forth for gatherings, we must cancel Art Alive weekend (April 24-26). We are heartbroken that we will be unable to share all of the extraordinary designs by our wonderful floral designers as well as the spectacular experience of Bloom Bash, our opening celebration.
Art Alive is a beloved San Diego tradition that will be celebrating its 40th anniversary next year. We’ve already started planning!
Art Alive is also the Museum’s signature fundraiser, providing essential philanthropic support for exhibitions, education, and operations. In its absence, please consider making a gift to the SDMA Museum Fund. Your generosity will prepare us for the moment when we can open our doors to the public once again and continue our outreach programs for children in underserved communities, conservation of works of art, and accessibility initiatives that allow the Museum to share its vibrant collection with all members of our community.
To continue to experience the Museum, please follow the Museum on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. You can also enjoy a much-needed reprieve during these unprecedented times by taking virtual tours on our free app where you’ll also find content on our collection and exhibitions.
Thank you for joining in our efforts to care for our community and I look forward to welcoming you back to the Museum galleries.
Roxana Velásquez
Maruja Baldwin Executive Director
SDMA Temporarily Closing Starting March 14
Friday, March 13, 2020
In the interest of protecting the public health of our staff and visitors, the Museum is temporarily closing beginning March 14th. We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and take advisement from City authorities.
The situation is fluid, thus we will update this page as we have more information regarding reopening to the public.
Throughout the closure, we will be sharing works of art through social media to continue our mission to inspire, educate, and cultivate curiosity. We look forward to announcing when we can welcome visitors to the Museum once again.
Thank you for joining us in our efforts to care for our community.