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San Diego, CA
Best Museums (Attractions & Activities)
(10 Overall Closest) |
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Mingei International Museum of World Folk Art |
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(Attractions & Activities - Museums) |
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1439 El Prado Balboa Park, San Diego 92101 • 619-239-0003 |
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Description:
HILLCREST / BALBOA PARK. Mingei is a Japanese word meaning "arts of all people." This museum presents exhibits of folk art from around the world, including Indonesia and New Guinea (multicolored masks, dolls, fertility symbols and shadow puppets) and Japan (decorative bottles, bowls and jars). Children will delight in the displays of international toys and antique carousels. Don't forget to visit the Collectors' Gallery/Museum Store for a wide selection of modern and antique arts and crafts. Located at the corner of El Prado and the Plaza de Panama, southwest of the fountain. |
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Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego |
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(Attractions & Activities - Museums) |
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700 Prospect St, La Jolla 92037 • 858-454-3541 |
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Description:
LA JOLLA. This beautiful museum began in what was once the 1916 Mission-style home of Ellen Browning Scripps, noted San Diego philanthropist. (The Institute of Oceanography and the breathtaking oceanside park are named for Mrs. Scripps.) Expansion to the original building was completed in the mid-1990s. Houses an impressive collection of post-1950s contemporary art from famed California artists as well as works by Warhol, Cornell and Stella. Equally impressive are the building's architecture and unparalleled views of the Pacific. The Museum Cafe serves gourmet sandwiches, soups and salads as well as beer and wine. A must see for art lovers! |
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Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego – Downtown |
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(Attractions & Activities - Museums) |
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1001 Kettner Blvd, San Diego 92101 • 619-234-1001 |
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Description:
DOWNTOWN. This is the satellite branch of the Museum of Contemporary Art located in La Jolla. In addition to its sculpture plaza, you'll find four galleries within, showcasing a variety of works in different mediums by local, national and international artists.
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Museum of Man |
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(Attractions & Activities - Museums) |
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1350 El Prado Balboa Park, San Diego 92101 • 619-239-2001 |
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Description:
HILLCREST / BALBOA PARK. Located in the historic California Quadrangle at Balboa Park, this museum focuses primarily on the cultures of the ancient Americas. Permanent exhibit topics include the Maya, the Kumeyaay Indians, and human evolution. Changing special exhibits have featured subjects such as Haitian Voodoo, American Indian rock art, and the art of Abenaki, Hawaiian and Maori cultures. A Children's Discovery Center provides interactive exhibits about ancient Egypt, archaeology and anthropology. |
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Museum of Photographic Arts |
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(Attractions & Activities - Museums) |
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1649 El Prado Balboa Park, San Diego 92101 • 619-238-7559 |
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Description:
HILLCREST / BALBOA PARK. This world-class museum features extensive collections of still photographs, videos and films. The history of the medium is illustrated, from the earliest Daguerreotypes and albumen prints to modern laser holograms. A variety of artists are represented, including Alfred Stieglitz, Ben Shahn, Alberto Korda, Ansel Adams and Margaret Bourke-White. A 226-seat theater offers regular film showings, including an annual program of cult favorites. For film showtimes, call 619-238-7559, dial "F" for film. |
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Museum of San Diego History |
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(Attractions & Activities - Museums) |
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1649 El Prado Casa de Balboa - Balboa Park, San Diego 92101 • 619-232-6203 |
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Description:
HILLCREST / BALBOA PARK. Maintained by San Diego's Historical Society, this museum uses permanent and changing exhibits to retrace the great city's development from the inception of California's statehood in 1850 to the present. Special exhibits have included local architecture, and the history of San Diego as a film location. Permanent collections include fine and folk art from the region, textiles and clothing, tools, transportation and toys. Theater and gift shop on site. |
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Reuben H. Fleet Science Center |
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(Attractions & Activities - Museums) |
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1875 El Prado Balboa Park, San Diego 92101 • 619-238-1233 |
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Description:
HILLCREST / BALBOA PARK. Five galleries with interactive exhibits. The motion simulator ride is a favorite, as is "About Face," in which you capture your image on freeze-frame video. The museum also includes a planetarium and OMNIMAX theater. "Please touch" is their motto, and they offer over 100 "hands-on" exhibits to prove it. Outstanding gift shop that warrants a trip just on its own. A must-do for families with children. Located at the far eastern end of El Prado, on Plaza de Balboa. Public transportation: Bus 7/7B, 16 or 25 |
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San Diego Aerospace Museum |
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(Attractions & Activities - Museums) |
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2001 Pan American Plaza Balboa Park, San Diego 92101 • 619-234-8291 |
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Description:
HILLCREST / BALBOA PARK. Comprehensive overview of the history of flight from early balloon ascents to space travel. Several galleries showcase such aviation topics as the Wright brothers, the Golden Age of flight, World Wars I and II, and the Jet Age. Special sections feature women in flight and an International Aerospace Hall of Fame. Over 50 aircraft hang from the rafters. Located next door to the Automotive Museum.
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San Diego Museum Of Art |
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(Attractions & Activities - Museums) |
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1450 El Prado Balboa Park, San Diego 92101 • 619-232-7931 |
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Description:
HILLCREST / BALBOA PARK. San Diego's most comprehensive collection of art. Italian Renaissance, Dutch, Spanish and baroque pieces are exhibited, as well as contemporary paintings and sculptures. Works by Monet, Toulouse-Lautrec, Renoir, Pisarro, van Gogh and Dufy are rotated in display on the ground floor. Shop, sculpture garden and cafe with outdoor seating. Located on the north side of Plaza de Panama. Public transportation: Bus 7/7B, 16, or 25 |
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San Diego Natural History Museum |
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(Attractions & Activities - Museums) |
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1788 El Prado Balboa Park, San Diego 92101 • 619-232-3821 |
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Description:
HILLCREST / BALBOA PARK. Live snakes, insects, lizards and frogs are featured in some of the exhibits at this museum, which also has extensive fossil and skeletal collections of regional flora and fauna. Regional geology and geography are also explored in-depth. A massive Foucault pendulum hangs suspended in the lobby, demonstrating the earth's rotation. Special programs for kids and families are frequently offered, including Sunday visits from Ms. Frizzle of Magic School Bus fame. |
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