UPDATE (July 7, 2020): Since the publication of this post, many San Diego County museums have needed to re-close, restrict their indoor exhibition spaces and/or revise their re-opening plans based on new state and county mandates. Please visit the websites for your favorite museum for updated information.
As COVID-19 restrictions have begun to loosen across the County, the San Diego Museum Council is pleased to announce that many of our beloved museums and cultural institutions are beginning to re-open to the public.
Many institutions are continuing to offer enhanced virtual programming and events, as these at-home options have become increasingly popular during the shutdown.
Whether you plan to return to these museums, zoo/aquariums, gardens and historic sites in person or continue to enjoy them online this summer, here is a quick overview of what you can expect.
Please note: Due to the dynamic nature of the situation, you should check your favorite institutions’ websites or social media pages for the latest updates, restrictions, and/or special instructions before your visit.
Have fun, San Diego!
#SDmuseumsareback
NOW OPEN:
Cabrillo National Monument
Outdoor areas are currently open. Indoor areas (including the Visitor Center, park store, lighthouse and some exhibits) remain closed.
Mission San Luis Rey Museum
Re-opened to the public on June 22. Behind-the-scenes tours available for same-household family groups only.
Japanese Friendship Garden
Re-opened to members on June 15. Re-opened to the public on June 22.
San Diego Air & Space Museum
Re-opened on June 12.
http://sandiegoairandspace.org/
San Diego Botanic Garden
Now open Wednesday through Sunday. (Online reservations are required.)
OPENING IN EARLY-JULY:
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Re-opening on July 1 (members) and July 4 (general public).
Bonita Museum & Cultural Center
Re-opening on July 1.
https://www.bonitahistoricalsociety.org/
Fleet Science Center
Re-opening on July 1 (members) and July 3 (general public).
La Jolla Historical Society
The Wisteria Cottage Gallery will re-open on July 8. (Archives will open to the public for research on June 29.)
Living Coast Discovery Center
Re-opening July 1-2 (members) and July 3 (general public). Limited availability for pre-booked, private tours Monday-Thursday.
Maritime Museum of San Diego
Re-opening to the public on July 1.
Museum of Photographic Arts
Re-opening on July 4.
San Diego History Center
Re-opening on July 4.
San Diego Model Railroad Museum
Re-opening on July 2 (members) and July 4 (general public).
San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat)
Re-opening on July 1 (members) and July 3 (general public).
The San Diego Museum of Art
Re-opening July 6-7 (members) and July 9 (general public). Closed on July 8.
USS Midway Museum
Re-opening to the public on July 1.
OPENING IN MID-JULY:
San Diego Automotive Museum
Re-opening on July 19.
Visions Art Museum
Re-opening to members on July 18. Public opening date: TBD.
OPENING LATER:
California Center for the Arts, Escondido
Re-opening to the public on Sept. 19, with a new exhibition, The World of Frida.
http://www.artcenter.org/museum/
Mingei Museum
Currently closed for a major renovation. Will re-open to the public in 2021.
Museum of Making Music
Currently closed for a major renovation. Will re-open to the public in February 2021.
http://www.museumofmakingmusic.org/
San Diego Chinese Historical Museum
Re-opening to members on October 2, and to the general public on Oct. 9.
RE-OPENING DATES NOT YET ANNOUNCED:
Barona Cultural Center & Museum
California Surf Museum
Coronado Museum of History & Art
Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum
http://flyingleathernecks.org/
Heritage of the Americas Museum
http://www.heritageoftheamericasmuseum.com/
Lux Art Institute
http://www.luxartinstitute.org/visit/
Marston House Museum & Gardens
http://www.sohosandiego.org/main/marston2.htm
Miniature Engineering Craftsmanship Museum
https://www.craftsmanshipmuseum.com/
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
La Jolla location is closed for construction. Re-opening plans have not yet been announced for the downtown location.
New Americans Museum
http://newamericansmuseum.org/
New Children’s Museum
http://www.thinkplaycreate.org
Oceanside Museum of Art
San Diego Archaeological Center
http://sandiegoarchaeology.org/
San Diego Art Institute
San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum
Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center
Timken Museum of Art
Whaley House Museum
