Membership has its benefits!
Explore BIG FUN during The Big Exchange from May 1 – 18, 2023. It’s EASY! Just use your museum membership card to visit more than 40 participating museums for FREE.
The Big Exchange gives members of participating organizations reciprocal admission at more than 40 museums, historic sites, gardens, and more throughout San Diego County. Show your current membership card and get free entry to the organizations listed below.
Download a Guide to All the Participating Museums Here!
Simply head to your favorite participating museum, tell your guest services representative that you are there for “The Big Exchange,” then show your member card from any participating museum for complimentary reciprocal admission. Maximum of four people per membership.
Each membership is reciprocal per guest or membership status. For example, a single membership would enjoy a similar access for one attendee at a participating museum. A family membership might enjoy entrance for up to four guests at another participating museum. *Balboa Park Explorer passholders are not included in this program. Only for general admission, cannot be combined with other offers, does not include special events, children must be accompanied by an adult, call museum for restrictions.
Become a member of your favorite local museum or renew your current membership now.
The Big Exchange 2023 will run May 1 -18.
Youth Ride Free with PRONTO
Plus the City and County has made it easier and more affordable for families to access more San Diego FUN. Starting All riders 18 & under are able to ride MTS and North County Transit District (NCTD) services for FREE with a Youth PRONTO app account, or a Youth PRONTO card. The Youth Opportunity Pass is a pilot program, sponsored by the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) and County of San Diego, through June 30, 2023. Find out more here.
JOIN TODAY!
Become a Member of Your Favorite Museum
(Click on a link below to explore all the benefits that come with membership)
Look Below for Museums Participating in 2023
(Note some museums have restrictions or may require reservations)
Barona Cultural Center & Museum
Birch Aquarium (Please note, reservations must be made online in advanced to visit Birch Aquarium during The Big Exchange. Capacity is limited, Big Exchange tickets are available on the Birch Aquarium website on a first-come, first-served basis.)
Bonita Museum & Cultural Center
The Brain Observatory (Reservations Required. Click here for reservations.)
California Center for the Arts, Escondido Museum (Museum is closed May 1-18 for installation. Instead, enjoy free admission to the exhibitions during June 10 – 18).
Coronado Historical Association
Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House (Only for general admission self-guided tours Wednesday-Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
Heritage of the Americas Museum (Excludes special events and children must be accompanied by an adult at all times).
Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) Central
Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) North
Junípero Serra Museum (The Junípero Serra Museum is part of the San Diego History Center)
Lemon Grove Parsonage Museum (Only open on Saturdays 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
Living Coast Discovery Center (Does not grant member discount for camps, tours, gift shop, or other member perks. Excludes special event pricing and member only events.)
Maritime Museum of San Diego (Self-guided general admission tours only. On-the-water experiences do not apply.)
Marston House Museum and Gardens (SOHO)
Miniature Engineering Craftsmanship Museum – Always Free
Nautical History Gallery & Museum
New Americans Museum (By appointment only)
Pacific Southwest Railway Museum – (Applies to museum admission only, NOT train ride tickets. Available in-person only. Excludes Campo Days, May 6-7).
San Diego African American Museum of Fine Arts (Museum without Walls – watch the website/social media for upcoming exhibits and online programing).
San Diego Archaeological Center
San Diego Automotive Museum (Children must be accompanied by an adult).
San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum (Excludes special events. Cannot be combined with other offers).
San Diego Chinese Historical Museum (Open on Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays from 12 to 4 p.m.)
San Diego Model Railroad Museum
San Diego Museum of Art (Special exhibition opens May 13, $10/person surcharge. Museum closed on Wednesdays.)
San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat) Does not include films (available to add on for $5 a person.) Museum closed on Wednesdays.
Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center – Always Free Admission
Timken Museum of Art (The Museum is Always free).
