Museum of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art
11:00AM - 5:00PM
Thursday - Sunday
Closed
Monday - Wednesday
Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day, plus the following dates:
Every visitor may visit the Museum of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art (MOPA@SDMA) located in historic Balboa Park without paying a general admission fee through July 31, 2025, and can instead make a contribution to help support our mission to serve the broadest possible audience. Our suggested contribution is $10.
Admission price changes, including a new option to visit both our Balboa Park locations within seven days at a single, reduced cost, go into effect August 1, 2025.
Free general admission remains available at both locations for youth 17 & under, current students with ID, and military (active, retired, and dependents) with ID, plus one guest. Free admission to both museums is also available to all on the second Thursday of each month. Free admission to MOPA@SDMA is also available to Bank of America cardholders and over 225 museums and cultural centers around the U.S. on the first Saturday & Sunday of each month through their Museums on Us program. MOPA@SDMA is also proud to participate in the following programs: Blue Star Museums, San Diego Public Library’s Discover & Go, and Museums for All.
Our refund and cancellation policy can be found on our FAQ page here.
See special offers and explore group event tickets here.
The Museum is located at
1649 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA 92101
Walk, bike, bus, trolley, or drive. There are countless ways to get here.
Best access to the Museum is via Park Boulevard or the historic Cabrillo Bridge.
Are children welcome?
Yes! Children of all ages will find the Museum to be a fun and fascinating place to explore. Plus, youth ages 17 and under always receive free general admission. Children 14 and under must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian (age 18 years or older) at all times. We request one adult chaperone for every ten children under the age of 15.
Can I take photos or videos?
We encourage our visitors to share their experiences and photos with friends. Non-flash photography of objects in the Museum’s permanent collection and special exhibitions (where noted) is permitted for private use only. Photographs may not be published, sold, reproduced, transferred, distributed, or otherwise commercially exploited in any manner. Flash photography, the use of tripods, monopods, extension sticks (also known as selfie sticks), and the use of movie or video recording are prohibited.
Please be advised of gallery areas designated with “No Photography Allowed” signs as well as the labels of selected works of art with the ‘“No Photography Allowed’” symbol. If you’re not sure if photography is permitted, please ask a Museum Attendant.
Video filming and special photography projects, including engagement and wedding photography, are not permitted at the Museum unless preapproved by the Museum’s Marketing Department. These photography projects are subject to additional fees, security oversight, and 30-day lead booking process. Contact 619.232.7931 or info@sdmart.org to inquire.
For press photography, please contact 62ABOVE at sdma@62above.com
Do you have access for visitors with disabilities?
All parts of the Museum are accessible to visitors using wheelchairs or mobility equipment.
What are your hours?
MOPA@SDMA is open, Thursdays through Sundays 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Museum is closed Mondays through Wednesdays. See the MOPA@SDMA Visit page for exceptions and early closures.
Can I bring a pet?
Service animals that are trained to do work or perform specific tasks for the benefit of an individual with disabilities are welcome at MOPA@SDMA. For more information about service animals please visit the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) informational webpage on service animals.
Pets and emotional support animals are not permitted within the Museum.
How can I contact someone at the Museum?
You may contact us at 619.232.7931 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or you may contact us via e-mail at info@sdmart.org.
What do I get with general admission?
General admission covers our permanent collection and non-ticketed special exhibitions. Bundled general admission grants access to galleries at both museum locations, only excluding some special exhibitions and specially ticketed events.
Do you have a store?
The MOPA@SDMA Store offers a comprehensive selection of art books, photography gifts, and more. Select items are also available online. Proceeds from every sale in person and online benefit the Museum’s educational and exhibition programs.
If I check in at SDMA is my sticker good for MOPA?
Members and visitors must check in at each museum separately to get a MOPA@SDMA sticker and an SDMA sticker. This lets our staff know you have checked in and enables you to come in and out of the museum throughout the day. Museum members get unlimited general admission to both museums.
Bundled tickets are also available. Nonmembers visiting both museums within seven days can purchase a bundled ticket and save $5.00 for adults or $2.00 for seniors for entry into both museums. Learn more and get bundled tickets.
What are the membership levels and benefits?
Museum membership grants unlimited admission to both The San Diego Museum of Art (SDMA) and the Museum of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art (MOPA@SDMA), along with an array of core 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. See the Balboa Park parking lots map for parking options.
How can I get to the Museum on public transportation?
The Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) provides easy access from downtown and Mission Valley.
Review the times for Route 120, Route 7, and Route 215, the main bus routes that serve Balboa Park
How much time should I allow to visit MOPA@SDMA?
Stop for a few minutes or spend the whole day—there’s always something new to view or experience. Visitors typically spend about 1-2 hours exploring the exhibitions on view at MOPA@SDMA.
What is the dress code?
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. Shirts and shoes required in the Museum.
Do you allow food or drinks?
No food or drinks are allowed in the Museum gallery spaces.
Is there a restaurant or café at the Museum?
Panama 66, the Museum’s restaurant, is located in our May S. Marcy Sculpture Court and Garden near the Plaza de Panama and The San Diego Museum of Art, in the heart of Balboa Park. Panama 66 features craft beer and fresh casual fare sourced locally for the whole family. No outside food is allowed in the Court and Garden.
Also available near MOPA@SDMA, guests can enjoy food from Café in the Park, also located in the Casa de Balboa, and The Prado, located nearby in the House of Hospitality.
Do you have any guided tours or audio tours?
We offer virtual tours led by docents on a variety of topics throughout each month. Visit the schedule here. We also offer a free mobile app that has insider stories about our works of art, video content, and much more. Download the app before your visit or ask about it at the Visitor Relations desk.
Do you offer any senior, student, or military discounts?
We are pleased to offer discounted admission to seniors and free general admission at both locations for youth 17 & under, current students with ID, and military (active, retired, and dependents) with ID, plus one guest. Visit the MOPA@SDMA Visit page to learn more.
Do you allow the use of cell phones?
The use of cell phones for phone calls is limited to the lobby areas of the Museum. While in the galleries please silence cell phones and use headphones when accessing the SDMA app and/or phone.
What is proper museum etiquette?
We ask that our visitors refrain from running in the Museum, touching the works of art, or speaking in a loud manner. Courtesy to fellow visitors and protection of the works of art is the goal.
What is the 12-inch rule?
Twelve inches is a comfortable “buffer” zone when viewing works of art.
What is currently on view?
Experience thought-provoking and engaging exhibitions, film festivals, and ongoing learning opportunities at MOPA@SDMA. See the line-up of exhibitions currently on view at the MOPA@SDMA Visit page.
How do scholars connect with the Museum to research the collection on site?
We welcome visiting scholars throughout the year. Please contact curatorial@sdmart.org to request research access to the collection.
How can I visit the MOPA@SDMA library?
The Museum has two specialized art libraries on its Balboa Park campus: The San Diego Museum of Art (SDMA) Research Library and Archives and the Dubois Library at the Museum of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art (MOPA@SDMA). Both facilities are now open to Museum members and researchers by appointment only during library open hours. Learn more here.
What is the Museum’s policy on rights and reproductions?
Rights and reproductions requests are handled by Bridgeman Art Images. View the Museum’s full rights and reproduction policy document. For more information, please contact rightsandrepro@sdmart.org
Does the Museum appraise works of art?
The Museum staff does not provide appraisals of works of art for insurance or sales purposes. Please consult the following for referrals to appropriate resources. The inclusion of organizations and individuals on this list is not an endorsement by The San Diego Museum of Art but is offered as a courtesy to those seeking information.
National Institute of Appraisers
73450 Country Club Dr. #181
Palm Desert, CA 92260
Phone: (800) 676-2148
www.appraiseroffineart.com
American Society of Appraisers
P.O. Box 17265
Washington, D.C. 20041
Phone: (800) 272-8258
www.appraisers.org
Appraisers Association of America
386 Park Avenue South
New York, NY 10016
Phone: (212) 889-5404, ext.11
www.appraisersassoc.org
Auction Houses
Bonhams
7601 W. Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90046
Phone: (323) 850-7500
www.Bonhams.com
Christie’s
20 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, NY 10020
Phone: (212) 636-2000
www.christies.com
Sotheby’s
1334 York Avenue
New York, NY 10021
Phone: (541) 312-5682
www.sothebys.com
Are works of art for sale?
No. The Museum of Art does not sell works of art.
Can I donate my old cameras, equipment, supplies, photographs to the museum?
Thank you for your interest in donating to our museum. Due to spatial limitations we have a specific process for obtaining and selecting donations. Please send an image and description of the items you are interested in donating to curatorial@sdmart.org. for consideration. We are unable to take donations at the admissions desk without prior approval.
How do I get my photography in the museum?
Exhibitions are curated and planned out several years in advance by our curatorial team. If you are interested in proposing a future exhibition of your work please reach out via email to curatorial@sdmart.org
Do you have events at the Museum?
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 virtual 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.
Will the Museum donate to my organization’s fundraiser?
The Museum is proud to support the non-profit community within San Diego County, and we will donate guest passes for most fundraisers, benefit events, and galas. To view our guidelines and submit a request for a donation, click here.
Do you offer group discounts?
Groups of 10 or more receive discounted admission prices. Please call the Group Sales office at (619) 696-1935, or contact us at groupsales@sdmart.org.
Do you accommodate large groups?
We can accommodate groups of all sizes. Visit our Admissions Special Offers page for more information.
Where can I purchase admission?
Admission tickets may be purchased at the door or online.
Do you accommodate different languages?
All exhibition information is available in English and Spanish.
Do you have a coat check?
No. For your comfort and the safety of the art on view, please leave larger items at home. Items may be checked at our discretion. Please note, backpacks and backpack-style child carriers must be worn on the front of the body, carried by hand like a briefcase, or left at coat check. Strollers are allowed in all gallery spaces. Thank you for keeping our works of art safe.
Do you have a lost and found?
Lost or found items may be turned in or claimed through our Security Department. To speak with a representative, call 619.232.7931.
What’s your refund and cancellation policy?
Refunds and cancellations are offered on a limited basis:
General Museum Admission
The Museum will issue refunds on a case-by-case basis for general Museum admission.
Special Exhibition Admission
The Museum will issue a refund on a case-by-case basis for Special Exhibition admission. Depending on the exhibition, all or part of your ticket price may not be refundable.
Workshops:
No Refunds Provided:
Circle and Gallery Collective Events
If you are attending one of these member-specific events, please let us know if you are unable to attend leading up to the event. These events often have very limited capacities, which means there are often waitlists. Help your fellow members by freeing up a space for them.
Refunds for Canceled Events
The Museum will contact ticket holders in the case of a canceled event and will issue refunds.
Refunds for Rescheduled Events
The Museum will contact ticket holders with a new date and time for rescheduled events. If a ticket holder cannot attend the rescheduled event, a refund will be issued.
Use of Tickets
The Museum reserves the right to require photo identification of any person picking up or using tickets/passes at the Museum.
The Museum prohibits the resale of tickets. Unlawful sale or attempted sale subjects tickets to revocation without refund. Persons who purchase ticket(s) to the Museum and/or to Museum events other than through the Museum’s ticket office or website should note that the Museum accepts no responsibility for the validity or such tickets. Tickets obtained from unauthorized sources may be invalid, lost, stolen, or counterfeit and if so are void.
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