NEW MUSEUMS & FIRST-TIME PARTICIPANTS TO DISCOVER
During San Diego Museum Month 2026
February is the perfect time to explore something new—and San Diego Museum Month 2026 makes it even easier. With half-price admission to museums, cultural sites, and historic places across the region, Museum Month invites you to rediscover San Diego’s stories from fresh perspectives.
This year, several remarkable museums and cultural sites are participating for the first time or returning in exciting ways. From downtown’s Navy SEAL Museum and plein-air painting to historic schoolhouses and veteran memorials, these “new-to-you” destinations are well worth adding to your February itinerary.
🎟️ Museum Month runs February 1–28, 2026
👉 Download your digital pass or pick one up at any San Diego Public Library
With your Museum Month printed pass (available at more than 80 public libraries), you can enjoy half-off admission for up to four guests all month long at 70+ local museums, historic sites, gardens, parks, aquariums, and more. Plus, we’ve made it easier with a pass that you can download directly to your phone.
*No purchase necessary to receive a free San Diego Museum Month Pass. Cannot be combined with other offers, coupons, or discounts including the Balboa Explorer Pass. Limit one pass per person. Not valid for groups larger than 4 people. Half-price is based on full general admission prices. May not be valid for specially ticketed exhibits, events, or films. Some restrictions apply. Please call museum(s) before visiting to inquire.
⚓ NAVY SEAL MUSEUM SAN DIEGO
📍 Downtown San Diego
One of San Diego’s newest museums shines a powerful spotlight on the history, missions, and values of the U.S. Navy SEALs and their predecessor units. Located along the downtown waterfront, the Navy SEAL Museum San Diego offers immersive, interactive exhibits that trace more than 80 years of Naval Special Warfare—from World War II to modern-day operations.
Visitors can explore state-of-the-art galleries, firsthand artifacts, and compelling mission stories, many shared by veteran docents with lived experience. More than a military museum, this is a place of reflection and inspiration, highlighting leadership, teamwork, and service rooted deeply in San Diego’s naval heritage.
*San Diego Museum Month pass allows up to 4 adults 1/2 price admission from February 1-28, 2026
🌿 BALBOA PARK BOTANICAL BUILDING & GARDENS
📍 Balboa Park
One of Balboa Park’s most iconic and beloved landmarks, the always free Botanical Building & Gardens offers a peaceful blend of nature, history, and architecture. This historic conservatory is home to more than 2,100 plants, including tropical species, palms, cycads, and ferns, all showcased within one of the largest lath structures in the world.
Visitors are invited to wander the surrounding gardens and experience a living museum that highlights San Diego’s horticultural heritage and commitment to preservation. A serene and refreshing stop, the Botanical Building & Gardens is a reminder that some of the most memorable museum experiences are found outdoors.
*The Botanical Building & Gardens are always free.
🏫 ENCINITAS HISTORICAL SOCIETY & 1883 SCHOOLHOUSE
📍 Encinitas Historical Society
Step back into North County’s early days at this welcoming historic site dedicated to preserving Encinitas’ rich local history. The restored 1883 Schoolhouse offers hands-on insight into what education was like in the late 19th century, making history engaging for visitors of all ages.
In addition to exhibits, the Encinitas Historical Society offers Guided Downtown Walking Tours, which begin at 10:00 a.m. every third Saturday from September through July. The tour highlights key moments and landmarks in Encinitas history and includes a visit to the perfectly preserved historic boathouses docked at 726 and 732 Third Street. Seasonal boat tours further explore the city’s maritime roots, making this a rewarding stop for anyone curious about Encinitas’ people, places, and coastal heritage.
*The EHS is always free and relies on grants, bequests, and donations to fulfill its mission.
🍻 GREEN DRAGON TAVERN & MUSEUM
📍 Green Dragon Tavern and Museum
Step into a place where history truly comes alive. Inspired by the original Green Dragon Tavern of Revolutionary-era Boston, this unique tavern and museum blends immersive storytelling with a welcoming gathering space. Inside the museum, visitors can explore artifacts and exhibits connected to America’s founding era, alongside stories that link early U.S. history to San Diego’s past.
After exploring the exhibits, settle in for a meal or drink and enjoy history the way it was meant to be experienced—shared, social, and full of conversation.
🏛️ ILAN LAEL FOUNDATION
📍 Santa Ysabel
Tucked into the rural landscape of Santa Ysabel, the Ilan Lael Foundation preserves the former home and studio of artist, architect, and visionary Ilan Lael. This remarkable site blends architecture, sculpture, landscape, and light into a harmonious environment that feels both contemplative and inspiring.
Visitors can explore the grounds through guided tours that reveal Lael’s creative philosophy, his integration of art and nature, and the thoughtful design of the buildings and outdoor spaces. A true hidden gem, the Ilan Lael Foundation offers a quiet, reflective museum experience unlike any other in San Diego County—perfect for those seeking art, architecture, and inspiration off the beaten path.
*Ilan-Lael Foundation offers 50% off regularly scheduled docent-led tours the month of February. Tours must be booked online or over the phone. Limited availability, advance registration required.
🎨 OLAF WIEGHORST MUSEUM & WESTERN HERITAGE CENTER
📍 Downtown El Cajon
Located in the heart of El Cajon, the Olaf Wieghorst Museum & Western Heritage Center offers a vivid window into the Old American West. The museum features original paintings and works by Olaf Wieghorst, one of America’s most celebrated Western artists, renowned for his dynamic portrayals of frontier life, horses, and expansive landscapes.
Through rotating exhibits and carefully preserved artifacts, the museum connects art and history, celebrating Western heritage while preserving the legacy of a master storyteller. A rewarding stop for art lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the stories that helped shape the American West.
*The Wieghorst Museum is always free and relies on grants, bequests, and donations to fulfill its mission.
🇺🇸 MT. SOLEDAD NATIONAL VETERANS MEMORIAL
📍 Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial
Overlooking San Diego from one of the city’s most prominent vantage points, the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial is a powerful place of remembrance and reflection. The memorial honors U.S. service members from all branches and eras through thousands of individual plaques, each telling a personal story of service and sacrifice.
Visitors are invited to walk the memorial grounds, take in panoramic views of the region, and learn about the men and women who have served our country. Both solemn and inspiring, the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial offers a meaningful Museum Month experience rooted in history, gratitude, and community remembrance.
*Mt. Soledad is always free and relies on grants, bequests, and donations to fulfill its mission.
🎨 SAN DIEGO WATERCOLOR SOCIETY
📍 Arts District Liberty Station
Located in the heart of Arts District Liberty Station, the San Diego Watercolor Society is one of the region’s most vibrant artist-led galleries. Featuring rotating exhibitions throughout the year, the gallery showcases contemporary watercolor works by local, national, and international artists, highlighting the versatility and innovation of the medium.
Visitors can explore a wide range of styles—from traditional landscapes to bold, experimental pieces—while enjoying one of San Diego’s most dynamic creative campuses. A welcoming space for art lovers and curious visitors alike, the San Diego Watercolor Society offers an inspiring stop during Museum Month.
NEW EXHIBITS
During San Diego Museum Month 2026
Something new is happening behind the museum doors this February. San Diego Museum Month 2026 isn’t just about revisiting favorites—it’s your chance to be among the first to experience brand-new exhibitions, milestone moments, and fresh perspectives debuting across the region. From once-in-a-century anniversaries to bold new installations and interactive discoveries, these exhibitions mark what’s new, what’s now, and what’s next in San Diego’s cultural landscape.
✈️ RIPLEY’S BELIEVE IT OR NOT!®
📍 San Diego Air & Space Museum, Balboa Park
Just in time for San Diego Museum Month, the San Diego Air & Space Museum debuts an all-new Ripley’s Believe It or Not! exhibit filled with mind-bending oddities, rare artifacts, and unbelievable true stories. Designed to amaze visitors of all ages, this special exhibition blurs the line between history, science, art, and imagination.
Highlights include a full-scale Mars Perseverance rover and Ingenuity helicopter constructed entirely from matchsticks, a towering animatronic Robert Wadlow—the tallest person in recorded history at 8 feet 11 inches—and iconic Hollywood treasures such as an original Tin Man hat and an authentic brick from The Wizard of Oz’s Yellow Brick Road. Guests will also encounter a canine cosmonaut space suit honoring early animal pioneers of spaceflight, plus whimsical works like The Starry Night recreated from dryer lint.
With ties to the historic California Exposition once held in this very building, this one-of-a-kind collection celebrates the legacy of Robert Ripley and his lifelong pursuit of the strange, the rare, and the extraordinary—offering an unforgettable Museum Month experience that truly lives up to its name: Believe
*San Diego Museum Month pass allows up to 4 adults 1/2 price admission from February 1-28, 2026
🎉 THE SAN DIEGO MUSEUM OF ART: 100 YEARS
📍 The San Diego Museum of Art, Balboa Park
The San Diego Museum of Art has launched their centennial celebration, marking 100 years (1926–2026) as one of the region’s most significant cultural institutions. The year-long celebration begins with the flagship exhibition SDMA 100 Years (January 24, 2026–February 7, 2027), an immersive look at the museum’s evolution through historic photographs, film, archival materials, and memorabilia. The exhibition traces SDMA’s journey from its roots in the 1915 Panama–California Exposition to its opening in 1926 and its extraordinary role as a U.S. Naval Hospital during World War II.
Additional centennial exhibitions activate the campus throughout 2026, including Local Visions: Reimagining the Façade (January 24–July 26, 2026), which invites local artists to reinterpret the museum’s iconic Spanish Colonial Revival exterior, and Eduardo Chillida: Convergence (through February 8, 2026), a major sculptural presentation honoring the internationally renowned artist’s 100th birthday. The celebration culminates with SDMA’s 100th Birthday Fest on February 28, 2026, making Museum Month the perfect time to experience this milestone moment in San Diego’s arts history.
* The San Diego Museum of Art – Museum Month half-off museum admission is with a Printed Pass only. No Museum Month Digital Passes will be accepted at the door. Offer valid February 1-28, 2026. Discount is limited to 4 Adult tickets.
🏁 NASCAR: DESIGN & INNOVATION
📍 San Diego Automotive Museum, Balboa Park
Rev up for a high-octane Museum Month experience as the San Diego Automotive Museum debuts NASCAR: Design & Innovation, an exciting new exhibition exploring the evolution of America’s most iconic motorsport. From early stock cars to today’s cutting-edge Next Gen machines, the exhibit traces the engineering breakthroughs, speed, and legendary drivers that shaped NASCAR across generations.
A centerpiece of the exhibition is a deep dive into NASCAR’s revolutionary Gen-7 (Next Gen) platform, featuring advances like independent rear suspension, modular chassis systems, enhanced aerodynamics, and 670-horsepower engines—redefining performance, safety, and innovation on the track. Visitors can also enjoy a special meet-and-greet with NASCAR driver Austin Cameron on Sunday, February 15, 2026, from 12–2 p.m., featuring his #16 Winston West car on display. It’s a must-see for racing fans, design enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the future of automotive engineering.
*San Diego Museum Month pass allows up to 4 adults 1/2 price admission from February 1-28, 2026
🎨 NEW EXHIBITS AT BONITA MUSEUM
📍 Bonita Museum & Cultural Center
Just in time for San Diego Museum Month, the Bonita Museum presents two compelling exhibitions celebrating creativity, legacy, and artistic innovation.
The Ric Todd Collection is on view in the History Gallery from February 1–27, 2026, showcasing works from Ric Todd’s personal collection across a range of mediums, including ceramics, printmaking, painting, giclée, lithographs, and digital works. The exhibition features pieces by Ric Todd, Keith Haring, Steve R. Allen, and Jaimee Todd, offering a thoughtful look at the relationships, influences, and artistic voices represented in Todd’s collection. A special focus on Ric Todd’s ceramics highlights his creative practice alongside his role as a collector and advocate for artists.
In the main gallery, Audi Lawson: Bonita Legacy runs from January 14–February 28, 2026, featuring striking photographic works by Audi Lawson (1920–2013). The exhibition explores Lawson’s distinctive photography from the 1980s and 1990s, known for her signature “knife effect” and innovative use of double exposures. Long before the digital age, Lawson manipulated film by hand to create bold, layered images—offering visitors a rare glimpse into the experimental possibilities of analog photography.
Together, these exhibitions make Bonita Museum a standout Museum Month destination for anyone interested in contemporary collections, photographic innovation, and the creative legacies that shape our region.
*Museum admission is donation-based. You can pay as much, or as little, as you choose. Many guests “give forward” admission, because if you choose to make a donation, it helps pay for someone else’s visit in the future.
🍫 CHOCOLATE IN THE AMERICAS
📍 Heritage of the Americas Museum
This February, satisfy your curiosity—and your sweet tooth—at the Heritage of the Americas Museum with Chocolate in the Americas, a flavorful exhibition exploring the history, culture, and science of chocolate from its ancient origins to modern traditions. Through engaging displays, hands-on workshops, expert talks, live demonstrations, and tastings, visitors will discover how chocolate shaped civilizations across the Americas and continues to delight cultures around the world.
The exhibition runs February 3–28, 2026, with special weekly hours, and is suitable for all ages. After exploring the exhibit, visitors are encouraged to stroll the beautiful adjoining Water Conservation Garden and make a full day of the experience. With free parking and affordable admission, this is a deliciously memorable stop during San Diego Museum Month.
*San Diego Museum Month pass allows up to 4 adults 1/2 price admission from February 1-28, 2026. Free with museum membership.
🏛️ SPACE MAKER
📍 La Jolla Historical Society
📅 February 21 – June 7, 2026
Opening just after the start of San Diego Museum Month, Space Maker explores the dynamic intersection of art and architecture—examining how design-driven creative practices shape spaces, objects, and communities. The exhibition brings together historic works and contemporary pieces by local artists including Russell Forester, Robert Irwin, Miki Iwasaki, and Irma Sofía Poeter, among others.
Through varied interpretations of form, geometry, and place, Space Maker reveals the reciprocal relationship between artistic expression and architectural thinking—showing how each discipline informs, echoes, and transforms the other. The exhibition offers a thoughtful, visually engaging experience that invites visitors to see the built environment through a more creative lens.
START PLANNING YOUR MUSEUM MONTH ADVENTURE 🎟️
These first-time and newly featured sites are just a small sampling of what’s waiting this February. With half-price admission all month long, Museum Month is your invitation to explore San Diego’s art, history, culture, and natural beauty—both old favorites and brand-new discoveries.
With your Museum Month printed pass (available at more than 80 public libraries), you can enjoy half-off admission for up to four guests all month long at 70+ local museums, historic sites, gardens, parks, aquariums, and more. Plus, we’ve made it easier with a pass that you can download directly to your phone.
📅 February 1–28, 2026
📍 70+ museums across San Diego County
🎟️ Digital and printed passes available starting February 1
Which new museum will you explore first?
