San Diego Museum of Art

San Diego Museum of Art featuring art and interior views as well as a couple
One of the hottest attractions in Balboa Park, home to artworks that span history, the city's main art depository is an unmissable destination for culture vultures.

The oldest and biggest of the museums in Balboa Park, the San Diego Museum of Art is a popular attraction, attracting all kinds of visitors who come to admire the works of art, some of which are over 7000 years old.

Housed in a beautiful, ornate building influenced by Spanish Colonial architecture, the museum is home to an impressive collection. Here you can discover fine art from across the world, part of an extraordinary and eclectic collection that has been getting bigger and better since the museum first opened back in 1926.

In keeping with its setting, the museum boasts some excellent collections of Spanish art, including classic works by the likes of Murillo, Ribero and El Greco. The museum’s international flavour includes paintings by Italian artists as well as many different pieces from Asia. Among the photographers lining the walls are great names like Margaret Bourke-White and Henri Cartier-Bresson.

For information about what’s on during your visit, head to the Balbao Park Visitor Centre or the museum’s information desk. Here you can find out about temporary exhibitions, as well as lectures, workshops and educational events that are held at the museum. Every April the museum hosts “Art Alive”, an exhibit of floral displays based on works inside the gallery.

It’s easy to spend a whole day here in the museum, but most visitors find two or three hours offers ample time. There are strict rules on photography and larger bags are not permitted inside the gallery. The museum is open every day of the week except for Wednesdays.

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

La Pensione Hotel
La Pensione Hotel
3 out of 5
606 West Date Street, San Diego, CA
La Pensione Hotel
Wyndham San Diego Bayside
Wyndham San Diego Bayside
4 out of 5
1355 N Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA
Wyndham San Diego Bayside
Holiday Inn Express San Diego Downtown, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Express San Diego Downtown, an IHG Hotel
2.5 out of 5
1430 7th Ave, San Diego, CA
Holiday Inn Express San Diego Downtown, an IHG Hotel
Legacy Resort Hotel & Spa
Legacy Resort Hotel & Spa
4 out of 5
875 Hotel Circle South, San Diego, CA
Legacy Resort Hotel & Spa
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
4 out of 5
1 Market Pl, San Diego, CA
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
The Sofia Hotel
The Sofia Hotel
3.5 out of 5
150 W Broadway, San Diego, CA
The Sofia Hotel
Hard Rock Hotel San Diego
Hard Rock Hotel San Diego
4 out of 5
207 5th Ave, San Diego, CA
Hard Rock Hotel San Diego
Hilton San Diego Bayfront
Hilton San Diego Bayfront
4 out of 5
1 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA
Hilton San Diego Bayfront
Marriott Vacation Club Pulse, San Diego
Marriott Vacation Club Pulse, San Diego
3.5 out of 5
701 A St, San Diego, CA
Marriott Vacation Club Pulse, San Diego
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.