The Top Museums in San Diego
The first of the top museums in San Diego, is the San Diego Natural History Museum located in the Casa de Balboa building which was founded in 1874. This is the oldest museum of its’ kind in Southern California. It is dedicated to providing information to locals and visitors alike about our natural resources. The museum is a learning experience like none other for the young mind and the adult as well. Inside the Natural History Museum are collections of fossils, rocks, minerals, snakes, butterflies, bugs, spiders, birds and bees and many other magnificent specimens to view for visitors of all ages. Count on spending most of the day entranced in the history of California. Included in the museum is an interactive area for children allowing hands on participation and learning. In the exhibit area is a giant screen movie showing the current exhibits. The San Diego Natural History Museum offers the serious history buff lectures and off site trips as well as structured programs and nature hikes for children. The library also offers a research library that is available by appointment only. For current exhibits contact the information desk at 619-232-3824 or visit them at their Web site at www.sdnhm.org. The museum is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with the exception of major holidays. The admission price for adults is $11.00 and $9.00 for seniors. Children between the ages of 13-17 and students with identification are admitted for $7.00. Children between the ages of 3-12 are admitted for $6.00. Children ages 2 and under are admitted for free. The cost of admission does include admittance into the giant screen movie screening of exhibits. Incidentally on Founders Day, May 10th of every year everyone is admitted free. Should you purchase a “Go San Diego Card” admittance to the museum is also free.
For an exploration into the world of cultural anthropology, the next stop on the top museum tour is the San Diego Museum of Man located in the California Building in Balboa Park . This is truly one of the most exciting museums I have ever experienced. I use the word experience because that is what it is. It is here that one gets to experience the contrasts of mans’ similarities and differences by delving into the culture of many. After being pulled away from the museum store, which is also an experience with gifts from around the world, I began my tour of the museum. Of course the exhibits vary but the one I had the opportunity to experience and was most taken with had to do with body piercing as an art. If you are not open minded, by the time you leave the museum you will be. This experience solidifies the beauty of difference and how we can all learn and grow from those differences. It is here that you can also see incredible replicas of the Maya Glyphs from Guatemala. One of my dreams has always been to explore a location of Mayan Ruins. This exhibit reaffirmed that desire. The Maya display incidentally is permanent to the San Diego Museum of Man. Contact the museum for current exhibits. The goal of this museum is not just to entertain, but also to educate its visitors. In addition to the exhibits, the museum offers a calendar of classes available to the public that touch on different aspects of cultural anthropology. The museum is opened 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily with the exception of major holidays when it is closed. Admission prices are $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, $3 for ages 6-17 and under 3 the admission to the museum is free. There is free admittance for everyone on the third Tuesday of every month. For further information contact the museum at 619-230-2001 or visit them at their Web site at www.museumofman.org.
Our third and final top museum is the San Diego Museum of Art located at 1459 El Prado in Balboa Park next to the Sculpture Court, and attached to the Copley Auditorium. Best known for it’s Spanish Old Masters’ paintings the museum is home to many fine pieces of art including collections from American, Asian and Latin influences. The museum itself is a work of art from its’ historical facade to the beauty of the galleries, the rotunda, and the incredibly beautiful sculpture garden and court. Expect to be immersed in the finest of art. There is something for every art lover in this museum including paintings, sculptures, block prints, vases and more. Be sure to stop at Waters CafÃ?© for a light lunch. In addition to its permanent collection and special exhibits, the museum offers concerts, lectures, films and performances available to the public. Contact the museum for details. Admission to the San Diego Museum of Art is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $7 for students with identification, $4 ages 6-17, ages 5 and under are free. The museum is open 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Thursdays. The museum is closed on Mondays and all major holidays. For further information contact the San Diego Museum of Art at 619-231-1996 or visit them at their Web site at www.sdmart.org. Everyone is admitted free to the permanent collection on the third Tuesday of each month.
Balboa Park is the home to 15 museums, the San Diego Zoo and many other attractions. Before purchasing single tickets it is advisable to check for special rates that may allow admittance to more than one event or museum within the Balboa Park Culture Center. There is a “Passport to Balboa Park for $30 that allows admission to 13 of the 15 attractions. So check promotional options before purchasing single tickets. You can also contact the San Diego Convention and Tourist Bureau by visiting their Web site at www.sandiego.org.
