A beautiful building that represents what is inside it, it is a medium-size museum, that contains amazing arts from all over the world.I saw a musical performance in front of the museum, I am not sure if that is a regular thing or a one-time event.Note: there is a free day each month for San Diego residence.

A nice, medium size museum, with a few great pieces of art.

Great space filled with some great paintings. Awesome location surrounded by striking architecture and scenic beauty.

The place has tons of great art and the setup is wonderful, only problem we had was taking children into the museum. They might have been a little loud, but I felt as if we were watched in every room. Maybe to make sure the kids were in line and didnt break anything? Either way, when we said hello to employees, many of them didnt speak back, except to say when one kid may have been out of breathing too loud. I also kinda get the idea that if you dont understand the art, youre not really welcomed. Just my opinion, take your kids and see for yourself.

It is a good art museum. Nice collections with some rotating collections. The medieval collection was interesting. Had some modern art also. Worth visiting a couple of times per year to check what is new and see again some works.

Its a must see museum even for the non art lover! Their collections are wide...from classical Italian, to American artists and contemporary art and some sculpture. Plan at least a hour and a half to get value from the admission fee. If your are near San Diego just purchase a museum pass and you can visit often. Throughout the year special exhibitions are held with famous art works borrowed from world wide museums. No food, or restaurant in the museum but the Panama 66 restaurant is next door. I just spent an hour looking at the Age of Rembrandt etchings on display thru January 2021. They depicted scenes in the Netherlands and some biblical stories too. Amazing that this art had survived since the middle 1600s I learned to enjoy art!

I always enjoy a visit to the San Diego Musuem of Art in Balboa Park. One of my favorite events is their annual three day Art Alive exhibit in April. Floral designers interpret an art piece, painting, sculpture, or historic artifact, in a floral design. So many creative uses of flowers, plants and other floral mediums. Museum can get a little crowded for this exhibit, so plan to take your time. Dont forget to enjoy the fabulous art collection that is housed here.

Interesting, educational museum to visit with free audio apps!

AMAZING if youre not interested in paintings dont go. That said I love art of all kinds so it was fantastic and I highly recommend it.

Did not have a good experience. From the get go was informed that backpacks were not typically allowed but that we could take ours of we carried it in front of us. I do not recall seeing this information on the website or any signs. Secondly, the staff was not friendly and were constantly patrolling. My mom got told a few times to not stand so close to the art and to not where our backpack. The art was nice but the atmosphere was stale and boring. It may be due to Covid but I have been to quite a few art museums and this was by far one of the most unejoyable experiences I ever had. The unfriendly staff and the stale atmosphere took away the joy of the art. Both my mom and I regret spending the $15 each and out of most of the other museums in Balboa Park, this one was a disappointment. Save your money and go to another museum

Beautiful collection. I gave it only four stars because the staff werent too friendly.

A little bit of everything from American classics, New Mexico artist collectives and identity art stuffed into a 2 hour experience. Worth a soulful cultural visit!

Beautiful and peaceful is what I would describe The San Diego Museum of Art. Some parts seemed like wandering into a storybook and others like a Monet painting. It may not be Huntington Library for some, but this place has its own fresh country euro like charm.

Visited the Art Museum for an Art Alive exhibit. Helpful staff and nice selection of art. There is a great indoor botanical garden and the orchids were all in bloom.

Quick Facts:Size: Large (2 floors)Price: $15 for adultsEst. Time in Museum: 1.5 - 2 hoursRecommended for: Art lovers, History BuffsBest Feature(s): Asian exhibitA must visit for those vacationing in San Diego and long time residents of San Diego. The strength of the museum is definitely the variety of the art on display. This is the largest art museum in San Diego. Art from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas. Art from different time periods dating from the ancient world, to the Renaissance, to Modern Art. Religious art, Portraits, sculptures, abstract art; whatever art style you are into they have some of it here. The art is organized into separate rooms/sections instead of one large area so that it feels more intimate and quiet when your walking around. Exhibits are changed a few times a year so there is always something new to see.If I had to find something to gripe about, it is that it is a traditional art museum: they dont really have any interactive aspects to the displays (e.g. look but dont touch). Ive been to other museums where they might have some touch screen displays or video monitors that give some further insight about the piece of art youre looking at or especially the art movement it belongs to. They just have a small plaque for each art piece (some dont have any) and a paragraph at the entrance of each section explaining the time period from which the art belongs. Do you need to have some knowledge of art to enjoy the pieces here? No, but a little more info would help the layman.Overall, a great experiance. If you had time to visit one museum in balboa park, this would be it. A good place to take your family (although very small children might not enjoy much here) or a good place for a date. Very relaxing place to walk and it is never crowded, even on Saturdays.n

Really great building and permanent exhibitions. The architecture is beautiful and the paintings are of wide variety. Huge Pacific Asia exhibit (Korean, Japan, and China). Along with an interesting Iran and India exhibits. Really reccomend the European and American art sections.

Art always changes, you have good access to the bldg for strollers student i.d. prices are valid too

This is the place you must see. The painting, the statues will make you feel peace and comfort.

I am not huge into art, but I still really enjoyed myself here. They had a wonderful variety of pieces from different eras and regions. Really neat. I particularly enjoyed the European paintings upstairs and the Asian section down stairs. The building is large enough that you arent crowded at all while looking at the art and you are able to casually stroll through without bothering others. Its pretty quiet in there since people arent bringing children, so thats a plus if youre looking for a more relaxed atmosphere.

They have a great collection and have taken really great measures to prevent COVID-19

Lots of art, but not the full cross section of prior visits. Certainly worth the visit. Admission prices are reasonable. 2 floors of fine art, very little modern. Located in a well situation within Balboa Park. Be sure to visit the Timken Museum catty corner from this one. Lots more to see and do here.

Simply amazing. There are brilliant pieces here by world renowned artists. There is are that is thousands of years old from a multitude of different cultures. Its amazing to see Eastern, Egyptian, Western, and other such cultures art forms. The tour guide was absolutely amazing and very informative. The museum is organized very well, and you can see art by revolutionary artists such as van Gogh, Giotto, and more. I really cant recommend this place enough. Its amazing to have such amazing art so close to home.

Absolutely love coming here. It is so inspiring, relaxing and refreshing walking through the exhibits. Art is truly Alive!

All of the artwork descriptions have Spanish and English portions. This is a a great opportunity to stretch your bilingual skills and get cultured at the same time.

The Park is pretty big! There are 3 museums open right, the garden are spectacular as well the architecture!!!

Where does art end and mockery begin? That was the question I had to ask myself over and over as I walked through some of the first floor exhibits. Of course I suppose that means there is something for everyone.There was a lot of wasted space in some of the rooms. I felt they could bring in a lot more art work to share with the world without encumbering the aesthetics of other displays.They did have some nice little displays where kids and others could practice calligraphy or create artistic drawings of their own.

Enchanted forest of light is truly magical. I felt like I was in a storybook. Love the lights and music that was playing throughout the park. There was food and drinks (both alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks) in the park.

Attended art alive and wow what an incredible thinking cheers to the winner

One of the 16 museums in the park, this is a great presentation of a wide range of art in a historical building. They have a series of regular galleries with art from around the world and a rotating special collection (Bouguereau & America during our visit). The building is a great host to these collections and they are all presented in a very nice way. Plan on spending 2-4 hours to take in what they have on display.Also check out Panama 66 next door for food, drinks and Jazx on Wednesday evenings!

We very much enjoyed the docent tour Reflections on Monet. It was an excellent way to better understand art history and concepts relevant to the Museums Monet collection. The artwork throughout the Museum is enhanced by the creative lighting designed by the Museum staff.

The past two head curators of SDMA have been straight killing it! We get the most amazing shows, and in addition, we’ve coordinated with other museums to send our works on tour, most notably on loan now is our Cotan. (Sad face when I went in after a hiatus and it wasn’t on display!) We also have so many fun events now. Not to mention our amazing permanent collection, which includes a cache of Latrec posters, which only rarely get exhibited due to their very delicate nature. All in all, I highly recommend a stop by if it’s been a while since your last visit!

My daughter and I enjoyed our visit at the San Diego Museum of Art. Very beautiful Park at Balboa Park. In San Diego

Good job limiting attendance and making it feel safe.

Exquisite peices of art! Can you say Rembrandt!

Ive been here many times with both of my sons mostly as field trips. Since we went today NOT on a field trip with school I was able to enjoy it at a leisurely pace. I works have taken more pictures but I dont know how much they like that.

Buy the multi-day pass. There is so much to experience in Balboa Park. This museum has some fine works. Nice atmosphere. Dont get within 12 of the paintings!!! I got yelled at for getting too close. (My eyesight is poor). Otherwise, pleasant experience. Enjoy!

Spacious, relaxed museum environment with beautiful works of art from all around the world. Collections are arranged in an easy-on-the-eyes format that keeps one from feeling overwhelmed. Be sure not to miss their American art collections and the gorgeous Hudson River Valley landscapes.

Beautiful Balboa Park. Don and I will return to this wonderful place where history, flower gardens, and art abound

Such a variety of art and exhibits. The cost is more reasonable than other museums Ive been to

This museum is amazing. The staff is incredible from Admin to client facing. The events are fantastic, the cost for everything is great, and the pieces they get on lone are once in a lifetime. The only downside is that its so popular it can get crowded fairly quickly.

I didn’t enter this museum because it’s not free, but the building looks nice and amazing.

A beautiful facility with a diverse collection of fascinating pieces. Very helpful staff. A great way to spend 2 hours

What a beauty all the contemporary art is beautiful

Art is the best.

Nice museum. Lots of large pictures - special exhibits were really nice as well. They will check your bags - seems like a good secure system.

Thanks for a great event and visit, SDMA, Ill be back with friends :)

Lots of Art pieces.

The art is all displayed beautifully and the entire building has been beautifully preserved!

UNWELCOMING EXPERIENCE! Ive gone here a decent amount of times as a studio arts major for my associates degree, I get a lot of assignments that have to do with going to a museum.I felt this place was 5 stars because its very clean and they have discounts for students, military, etc. The selection is always lovely.Although, my most recent time here I went with a friend (we are both poc) and I dont want to stereotype but a NON EMPLOYEE white woman came up to us and started literally yelling at the top of her lungs that we were trying to touch the paintings (we were not.. my friend is also an art major..) and a security gaurd in there just stared at us, could clearly see we werent touching.. the woman turned around and said these PEOPLE arent following museum rules! Im doing your job for you! and the rest of our time there he followed us around.We both paid to be there, Ive read reviews about discrimination in fine art museums before but never thought Id get harassed by another visitor, witnessed by security, and not have anything done about it.I would give it 1 star but, like I said, Ive gone here many times and this was the only time Ive felt shunned. Honestly makes me never want to go again and Im a San Diego local :/

Great place to see the best classical art San Diego has to offer.Weve seen great works of art there by famous painters.The Timken next door is free and also absolutely worth checking out as well.

Beautiful museum with lots to offer for so many interests. World class museum, displays, acquisitions. Located in Balboa Park, which is easy to locate, walk around, rent a scooter with a phone app and walk from one museum to the next. 16 museums in all there. Parking wasnt terrible, although you might need to be patient. Highly recommended!

Small, but good art museum. Very little modern or contemporary, but their rotating exhibit is usually worth seeing.

Some very good shows. Their permanent collection on the top floor is a snooze. They really need to re work the lighting on the paintings in the main galleries. You have to stand slightly to the side to avoid glare.

I really loved this museum! I went for the free Tuesday for san diego residents, but I dont think its worth the hefty price tag otherwise! I was able to make it through the whole museum in a few hours. They had some amazing works though! Some van gogh (although Im not too fond of him) and renoir. Definitely worth a visit as long as you have a good deal or get in free. The museum itself is very beautiful too!

A pretty good art museum with a very nice variety of pieces. Only con is that it was rather noisy and they dont seem to discourage talking out loud.

Always a nice time strolling through, appreciating the art. Attended the 2018 Art Alive exhibit, it continues to be an inspiring event.

Pretty good art!

I love this place. It has a place for every interest for most people. The pieces are well arranged and maintained. The labels are easy to read and are well written. The only downside is probably I didnt spend as much time as I did here. I am definitely coming back to check out new pieces or new artists. Congrats to the team behind.

Great place. Note: after 5, they have steep discounts on tickets + student discounts too. It’s awesome. All the people working there are art majors and know so much about art. Really cute too ;)

Beautiful building. Wonderful art. Do not miss.

Doable in an afternoon. Definitely worth it, significant artists, and some new modern exhibits as well. Inside the Balboa park with plenty to do before and after.

Wide range of paintings in collection: medieval to contemporary. Docent tours available at no extra charge. Download museum app to access museum maps plus virtual reality aspects of selected art objects (e.g., virtual house encompassing a part of ancient floor mosaic on display).

Most exhibits were very good and informative. There was one exhibit called What You See Is What You Get which was...interesting. The rest of the museum wad enjoyable for all ages

Great place to visit, From Contemporary Art to Great Artifacts.

Pretty cool place with a ton of art work from a variety of collections. Tip: They are part of Bank of Americas Museums on Us program.

Pretty pleasant and enjoyable visit.

A fairly decent permanent collection. Impressive digital showcases with the AR enabled paintings. (Needs the store app).

Nice museum; weird layout, carries some major artists. Monet

Small, but so enjoyable!

This is the best museum in all of Balboa Park. The variety, size, expertly crafted exhibits, attention to detail, lectures, and gift shop make this place a must see. They have fantastic events year round, Culture and Cocktails, Art Alive, Films in the Garden. The staff is very kind and helpful, as well as knowledgable. I always love looking at the new banners / displays on the outside, their graphic design team does a excellent job. The building itself is wonderful to gaze at while you enjoy the lounge area and bistro tables outside on a nice day.

Great place.. Very nice staff

We discovered that our local library offers a pass that you can check out like a book and is good for two adult and four child admissions. When we entered they were very welcoming. Then we got to the exhibits and we felt supervised and singled out by one of the docents, while other visitors seemed to not be observed in the same manner. Its no wonder the passes are hardly used. We just thought itd be a great idea with kids in tow in case we left quickly. Who knew there was a pecking order for visitors ️

Worth the trip..!

The art was obviously amazing, theres works from Monet, Cassat, Diego Rivera, Picasso, etc. The tour guide was so interactive and answered all the questiond I had brilliantly.

Its great. you can learn a lot of spanish, french and american history here, theres everything to absorb knowledge, i like this place a lot, although if you visit it on a weekend its probably full.

I love this museum, its so great. The new Tim Shaws exhibit is a must see.

Building feels like its kinda outdated depending on the showing. Great place to take the family. Everything inside is amazing, there are some real talented people featured inside this structure.

Not a big museum,small and smart!

Beautiful architecture. Cool place to visit.

Beautiful, covid friendly.

Quiet museum without many other visitors on a nice sunny afternoon; I understand why everyone is outside.Each of the exhibits has a small sampling of the genre of the period and a special exhibit on Spanish art. Nice way to spend a couple of hours for a taste of each period.

Well, as a member, I brought a guest and had a pass. Now the pass is only good FOR GENERAL admission, as any highlighted exhibit will cost more. The exhibit was OK. Ive experienced better. They have changed the location of bathrooms but remodeled them. Thats a plus.

Great place to spend a Day!

Admission is $8 for students, which is a fair price. The impressionistic collection isn’t outstanding, which is why I only give 4 stars.Definitely recommend going here, large variety of collections and styles!

Im not someone who its passionate about art, but visiting the museum was fullfiling. Just walk in each gallery, watch whatever paint that caths your eye and let your imagination run wild. Bagpacks are not allowed, so you have to leave it in the coat check.

Peaceful, education on many interests. Was not overcrowded with Residents day.

This is a small art museum, but lovely and I have enjoyed all of the temporary exhibits Ive been to.

Lovely museum. When I was there It cost $15 to get in. I was disappointed that it costs an additional $3 to see the spotlighted exhibition which I learned when I tried to enter the exhibit area. It wasnt mentioned when I purchased purchased and entry bv ticket that I would have to pay more to enter certain exhibits.But regardless, I very much enjoyed the variety of works on display. There was a room where if you opened a display drawer you were met with a picasso drawing!

The staff was a tiny bit rude, but the layout of the place and the map they provide are very helpful.The price isnt too bad to get in, but they had an extra exhibit where you had to pay extra per person to get in, which I think is a little much. Maybe just up the ticket price for a while to cover those costs?Anyways, it was a nice museum but not directed towards children.

This is a small museum, but we really enjoy visiting it when we return to San Diego to celebrate another wedding anniversary ( We are at 48 celebrations to see the museum now.) Interesting artifacts and an enjoyable time.

This is a fantastic museum! I ended up there for several hours in the morning and then went back to see the rest after lunch! The American Art had a wonderful selection including some by Georgia OKeeffe that I had never seen -special for me coming from New Mexico. The European Art is incredible with something by all the greats! The paintings from the 1300s to 1700s were exquisite. The light in paintings of Venice from the 1700s was marvelous. The art of East Asia with the ancient Buddhas was powerful. I cant say enough about how wonderful this museum was!

Bouguereau exhibit fantastic. Bob the docent great. Beautiful.

What a great museum of art. Its a must see.

Overall, pretty great. The Van Gogh is in the hall way, next to fire hose!!??. Such odd decision making.

Always nicely air conditioned. Clean and peaceful. Great for groups and first dates without alcohol.

A must do for anyone visiting San Diego, regardless of your length of stay. Exhibits will rotate so a return trip will present new favorites each time; included a few from this most recent visit.

The San Diego Museum of Art has one of the most interesting photography exhibits (Eisenstaedts Life photos) Ive seen lately, capturing daily life of common families and workers around the 40s.

I had no idea this place was so big on the inside and the art is so varied. From beautiful classical pieces from the master to more modern art that you find yourself staring at to find its meaning and each time finding something different. I really enjoyed the calligraphy area showing differences between Japanese Chinese and Korean language.

Definitely worth a visit. Nice mix of exhibits

A must see when in San Diego. This museum has regular exhibits that are worth seeing as well as temporary special exhibits. It never disappoints. Check website for details and for extended summer nights hours. The staff are excellent. Browse the gift shop for unique gifts or jewelry. But put it on your list whether visitor or local.