Museums & Science Centers
Mingei International Museum
1439 El Prado
San Diego, CA, 92101
Phone:
619.239.0003
Museum of Photographic Arts
1649 El Prado
San Diego, CA, 92101
Phone:
619.238.7559
The Museum of Photographic Arts is one of the few museums in the United States designed exclusively to collect and present the world's finest examples of photographic art. MoPA’s collection currently includes more than 7,000 photographs that span the history of photography. In 2000 the museum expanded its gallery space and added a classroom, print-viewing room, 20,000-volume library, augmented archival facilities, and 226-seat state-of-the-art theater.
Reuben H. Fleet Science Center
1875 El Prado
San Diego, CA, 92101
Phone:
619.238.1233
As San Diego's only museum dedicated to science and technology, the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center inspires life-long learning by furthering the public's understanding and enjoyment of science and technology. With hands-on exhibits, IMAX® films to watch and motion simulator rides to experience, the Fleet offers an educational, entertaining experience for over 500,000 visitors of all ages each year. The Fleet opened in 1973 and features the world’s first IMAX Dome Theater, which is about to undergo renovation.
San Diego Air & Space Museum
2001 Pan American Plaza
San Diego, CA, 92101
Phone:
619.234.8291
The San Diego Air & Space Museum’s mission is to celebrate aviation and space flight history through preservation of significant artifacts, presentation of dynamic exhibits, and commemoration of the men and women who forged aerospace history; to educate the public about the social and historical significance of aerospace technology and its promise for the future; and to inspire students to excel in technology, mathematics and the sciences, and encourage all visitors to become life-long learners in support of aerospace advancement.
San Diego Art Institute: Museum of the Living Artist
1439 El Prado
San Diego, CA, 92101
Phone:
619.236.0011
The San Diego Art Institute's "Museum of the Living Artist" is a Center for the Visual Arts for the Southern California/Bahia California region. It promotes San Diego as a living arts community that fully integrates visual arts into everyday life through a three-fold mission of Education, Exhibition, and Outreach. SDAI's most visible activity focuses on showcasing the work of San Diego emerging area visual artists through a program of over 30 juried shows per year, featuring more than 3,000 works of painting, sculpture, prints, drawings, and mixed media.
San Diego Automotive Museum
2080 Pan American Plaza
San Diego, CA, 92101
Phone:
619.231.2886
The San Diego Automotive Museum has one of the finest collections of automobiles on the West Coast. Founded in 1988, the museum is home to Louie Mattar’s world-famous Fabulous $75,000 Car (it holds the driving distance endurance record set in 1952) and several other rare vehicles, including a 1948 Tucker. It also houses an impressive collection of motorcycles—including Indian, Aprilia, Suzuki, Moto Guzzi, and the quintessential American bike, Harley Davidson—and features special exhibits throughout the year.
San Diego Hall of Champions Sports Museum
2131 Pan American Plaza Balboa Park
San Diego, CA, 92101
Phone:
(619) 234-2544
The San Diego Hall Of Champions Sports Museum was founded in 1946 to promote, preserve and recognize athletic achievement for the purpose of inspiring individuals of all ages to reach their full potential. Today the museum is the nation's largest multi-sport museum, boasting three levels of memorabilia and 68,000 square feet. The museum offers a state-of-the-art theatre, an interactive media center and fascinating displays on the nation's favorite sports in recognition of San Diego's outstanding athletic accomplishments and traditions.
San Diego History Center
1649 El Prado Casa de Balboa Building, Balboa Park
San Diego, CA, 92101
Phone:
(619) 232-6203
The San Diego Historical Society is encourages people of all ages to learn about, and enjoy, the history of San Diego – and to appreciate how our past, present, and future are interconnected. SDHS’ museum and research center are located in the Casa de Balboa. The museum offers permanent and changing exhibitions as well as a wide variety of programs for family, adult, and school audiences.
San Diego Model Railroad Museum
1649 El Prado
San Diego, CA, 92101
Phone:
619.696.0199
The mission of the San Diego Model Railroad Museum is to preserve the heritage of railroading through a series of miniature representations of California railroads; to research and preserve the history of model railroading; and to educate the public in the many different aspects of railroading. At 27,000 sq. ft., the museum is the largest indoor model railroad display in the world. The individual HO and N scale layouts are among the largest of their type.
San Diego Museum of Art
1450 El Prado
San Diego, CA, 92101
Phone:
619.232.7931
Established in 1926, the San Diego Museum of Art is the region’s oldest and largest arts museum. It is dedicated to the enrichment of the community and the individual through the acquisition, preservation, presentation, and interpretation of works of art that demonstrate the enduring achievements of the human experience. The museum’s collections include Spanish and Italian old masters, a vast Asian collection, 19th and 20th century American paintings and sculpture, and an international selection of contemporary art in all media.