Arts District Liberty Station Museum Month Locations
More than 60 locations across San Diego County participate in February’s annual Museum Month, which offers 50% off admission prices at museums, gardens, historic sites and more. Explore all the participating museums here.
Nestled along the postcard-perfect waterfront of San Diego’s Point Loma neighborhood, Liberty Station is a 350-acre mixed-use development with plenty of spots to eat, shop, stay, and explore Museum Month 2024.
Once the site of the city’s Naval Training Center, this bustling community and cultural hub is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. It’s home to a variety of art galleries, quirky shops and museums including Visions Museum of Textile Art, the Nautical History Gallery & Museum and the New Americans Museum. The former base is also adjacent to the Marine Corp Recruiting Depot, home of the MCRD Command Museum.
Visions Museum of Textile Art
Liberty Station
Visions is an international museum dedicated to increasing the appreciation of textiles as fine art. The museum is a beautiful contemporary gallery featuring quilted textiles from all over the world with four current exhibits on display. Plus you’ll discover a museum shop well stocked with books, baskets and fabric art, such as jewelry, scarves, and small textile hangings. Explore the latest exhibits here.
Nautical History Gallery & Museum
Liberty Station
Located in the historic Dick Laub NTC Command Center at Arts District Liberty Station is the all-new Nautical History Gallery & Museum. This 800 sq. ft. gallery is a panoramic history of the U.S. Navy, its ships and how they have evolved over time from the Revolutionary War period, through the Civil War, into the Spanish-American War, then World War I and World War II, including the beginning of naval aviation.
Your kids will love the FUN interactive elements and you’ll love the detail and craftsmanship of the scratch-built ship models that tell the history of the Navy and the sailors who lived and died aboard these mighty vessels. The exhibit includes models, artifacts, photographs, uniforms and toys detailing the history of the Navy, including the Marines, and naval aviation from the 1760s through the 1940s.
While on site, you’ll see model ship builder and curator Joe Frangiosa in action working on his newest project. He scratch built every ship on display, and is happy to share the history of each and every element of the museum.
New Americans Museum
Liberty Station
Nestled in 2 rooms in the museum heart of Liberty Station is the New Americans Museum; neighbors are the Visions Museum of Textile Art, the Nautical History Gallery & Museum, and the San Diego Watercolor Society. Here are featured the stories of various immigrant groups in San Diego, their cultures, and what they retain and contribute to the American mosaic. Admission is free, and parking is available throughout Liberty Station.
Act fast to see the last days of the “BEYOND THE ELEMENTS” exhibit, closing February 4.
Other Free Attractions at Arts District Liberty Station
After exploring the museums at Arts District Liberty Station, check out these free can’t-miss fun spots during you visit.
Visiting the MCRD Museum is a Great Opportunity to Learn About the History of the Marine Corps and San Diego’s Contribution to that Legacy
Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) Command Museum
Liberty Station
The Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) Command Museum opened its doors in 1987 and has served the Recruit Depot/Western Recruiting Region through its mission to train recruits and provide for the continuing education of Marines. It supports the recruiting effort and serves as a bridge to the civilian community.
The Museum’s focus is the history of the Marine Corps in the 20th and 21st centuries, as well as the history of the Marines in Southern California. In addition to its many galleries, the Museum also maintains a Reference Center that includes an Archives and Research Library, a theater, a Visitor Reception Center, and a gift shop.
The museum is currently open to veterans, active duty military personnel, and families of graduating Marines on Family Day and Graduation. All visitors must show valid government issued identification. The public may visit the MCRD Museum subject to base access procedures. Gate days and hours of operation are subject to change, especially around holiday weekends. Please read the ‘Information for All Visitors’ section below completely. For information on gate hours and for questions about base access please click here or contact the Provost Marshal’s Office (PMO) at (619) 524-4200 or (619) 524-4202. All drivers may be asked to show a valid driver’s license, proof of vehicle insurance, and proof of vehicle registration at the gates or at the Pass and ID Center.
New Museums Make Museum Month More Fun!
New Museum Month locations for 2024 include LEGOLAND® California Resort and its SEA LIFE® Aquarium, the California Wolf Center, the Deer Park Winery & Auto Museum and WNDR Museum San Diego. Also new this year, Museum Month will be recognized as an official event of the World Design Capital San Diego Tijuana 2024. The design capital is a designation won together by the two cities for achievements in design that brings with it a yearlong showcase of civic and cultural events. Explore what’s new to Museum Month 2024 here.
