February is here, and that means it’s time for San Diego Museum Month! With half-price admission to more than 70 museums, cultural institutions, and historic sites across the region, it’s the perfect opportunity to explore something new. From groundbreaking art exhibitions to behind-the-scenes science tours, here are some must-see highlights debuting this month.
– Click Here to Download Digital Pass –
✈️ Soaring into History: Da Vinci’s First Flight
📍 San Diego Air & Space Museum | Opens February 1
The world premiere of Da Vinci’s First Flight takes visitors into the genius mind of Leonardo da Vinci, showcasing his early designs for flying machines. This interactive exhibit features large-scale replicas, digital experiences, and hands-on activities exploring the intersection of art, science, and aviation. It’s the perfect kickoff to Museum Month 2025!
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🎨 Prism Play: A Celebration of Color
📍 Visions Museum of Textile Art | Now through April 26
Color takes center stage in this stunning exhibition featuring textile works by both emerging and established artists. Prism Play explores the emotional and narrative power of color through intricate fiber art pieces that challenge perspectives and stir the imagination.
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🌬️ Hush: The Art of Healing Through Breath
📍 ICA Central | Opens February 15
Through art making, Dutch artist Afra Eisma processes personal trauma and creates spaces for visitors to do the same. Her vibrant weavings and stuffed sculptures, combined with handmade ceramic elements, form new worlds where aliens, insects, and humans gather. Mythological beings and dreamlike landscapes merge with body parts, offering a safe space for the full range of emotional expression.
This immersive, multi-media installation at ICA San Diego in Balboa Park invites audience participation, creating a space that breathes—blowing, heaving, and gasping—reinterpreting the sounds, sensations, and act of breathing itself. By drawing attention to breath as an accessible tool for healing, Eisma’s hush highlights its role in wellness practices, offering visitors a moment of restoration and reflection.
🌊 La Jolla Surf: Culture, Art, Craft
📍 La Jolla Historical Society | Opens February 8
Dive into La Jolla’s rich surfing legacy with this immersive exhibit curated by photographer John Durant. Featuring historic photographs, surfboards, and handcrafted artifacts, this exhibition captures the art, history, and craftsmanship behind San Diego’s surf culture.
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🌎 Friendship Park: Take Amistad on the Road
📍 Bonita Museum & Cultural Center | Opens February 8
This powerful exhibit tells the story of Friendship Park, a historic site on the U.S.-Mexico border that symbolizes cross-border unity. Through paintings, sculptures, and photography by Nanzi Muro, Maria Teresa Fernandez, Pedro Rios, and Natalia Ventura, the exhibition reflects on the meaning of friendship and binational collaboration.
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🌍 San Diego Holocaust Survivors Tell Their Stories: Holocaust Exhibit
📍 La Jolla Public Library | Step into history with a powerful and thought-provoking Ruth Remember US the Holocaust exhibit now open to the public and always FREE. This immersive exhibit features the powerful stories of San Diego Holocaust survivors, who continue to share their experiences, along with those who have made significant contributions to preserving this history. RUTH highlights the impact on all victims of the Holocaust, showcasing not only the Jewish victims but others who tragically followed in their footsteps.
📷 Women in Focus: Celebrating Women in Photography
📍 Museum of Photographic Arts (MOPA) | Opens February 1
This exciting exhibition spotlights the contributions of women photographers, featuring iconic works from Margaret Bourke-White, Dorothea Lange, Imogen Cunningham, and more. Discover the groundbreaking impact of women in photography from the 19th century to today. MOPA’s collection showcases how these legendary artists shaped the field of photography and storytelling.
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🚗 Decades of Trifectas: Supercars of the ’80s & ’90s
📍 San Diego Automotive Museum | February 4 – March 31, 2025
Get ready to step into the golden era of supercars! The San Diego Automotive Museum presents Decades of Trifectas, Part 1, a thrilling exhibition showcasing legendary supercars from the 1980s and 1990s. Featuring interactive displays, expert insights, and guided tours, this exhibit is a must-see for car enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
🔥 Explore the design, innovation, and power behind these iconic machines!
🗓️ On display from February 4 – March 31, 2025
🔗 Plan your visit now!
💎 Discover the GIA Museum in Carlsbad
📍 GIA Museum, Carlsbad | First Time Participating in Museum Month!
Explore the dazzling world of gems and jewelry at the GIA Museum. This fascinating collection features rare gemstones, minerals, and historic jewelry pieces—a must-visit for anyone interested in science, art, and craftsmanship.
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🏛 Missing Pieces: Honoring Black History in San Diego
📍 San Diego History Center | New Digital Exhibit
Missing Pieces is a collaborative project between the San Diego History Center and the San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce, highlighting the often-overlooked contributions of San Diego’s Black community. This digital exhibit features oral histories, artifacts, and historical documents that bring untold stories to life.
🔗 Watch the Exhibit Overview
🧠 Brain Observatory Tours Are Back!
📍 The Brain Observatory, San Diego | Tour Date: Sunday, February 16
Ever wanted a behind-the-scenes look at neuroscience? Dr. Jacopo Annese will guide visitors through the Brain Observatory, where you can explore brain mapping, cognition, and real specimens. This is a rare chance to experience cutting-edge brain research up close!
🎟️ Museum Month Discount: 50% off!
🎨 California Center for the Arts, Escondido: A Trio of Art Exhibits
📍 California Center for the Arts, Escondido Museum | Opening Saturday, February 15
Celebrate the opening of Prelude to Resonance, Staging the Future, and Kerry Soori McEachern: Of Love and Light. These three new exhibits showcase a rich variety of artistic expression, from thought-provoking contemporary works to explorations of future visions. Don’t miss ONENESS, McEachern’s interactive installation in The Museum’s Community Art Lab, where you can engage with art in a whole new way.
✨ New Museums Joining Museum Month 2025!
This year, San Diego Museum Month welcomes four exciting new museums to the program, expanding the range of cultural experiences available at half-price admission!
💎 GIA Museum – Carlsbad
Explore the dazzling world of gems and jewelry at the GIA Museum in Carlsbad! Visitors can discover the science and artistry behind gemstones, minerals, and historic jewelry pieces through rotating exhibits from the GIA collection and exclusive items on loan from private collectors and industry experts.
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🔬 El Trompo Museo Interactivo – Tijuana
Perfect for families and curious minds, El Trompo is an interactive science and technology museum in Tijuana that encourages learning through hands-on exhibits and experimentation. This museum offers a fun, engaging space where visitors can explore science concepts that connect to everyday life.
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🤼 Museo de La Lucha Libre Mexicana (MULLME) – Tijuana
Step into the iconic world of Mexican Lucha Libre at MULLME, the first and only Mexican Lucha Libre museum in the country. Located just one kilometer from the U.S.-Mexico border, this museum celebrates Lucha Libre culture, featuring masks, memorabilia, comics, and a deep dive into this legendary sport. The first floor offers
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🌮 El Museo del Taco – Tijuana
Tacos aren’t just food—they’re an essential part of Mexican culture! El Museo del Taco in Tijuana is a celebration of this beloved dish, showcasing the history, tradition, and flavors behind one of the world’s most iconic street foods. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, historical insights, and of course, delicious tastings. If you love tacos, this is the ultimate museum experience!
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Start Planning Your Museum Month Adventure! 🎟️
With half-off admission all month long, these incredible exhibits and experiences are just a Museum Month pass away! You can pick up a physical pass at any San Diego Public Library or download a digital pass starting February 1 at sandiegomuseumcouncil.org.
📅 Museum Month runs from February 1–28, 2025
📍 Explore 70+ museums across San Diego County
Don’t miss this unbeatable opportunity to experience art, history, science, and culture at half the price! Which exhibits are you excited to see first?
