Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego

The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego offers thousands of objects and artifacts representing the history of post-World War II art on rotating display in elegant, modern galleries. The collection includes key pieces by important painters, sculptors, installation artists, and others dating from the 1950s through the 1980s and beyond.

In addition to its permanent collection, it also offers a look at many rotating displays of visiting artists from throughout recent history. Some have included exhibits on women artists who work in stone and the history of art after Chicanismo. Some rotating exhibits are even available online.

Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego - one of the highlights of 9 Best Art Museums and Galleries in San Diego (Read all about San Diego here)

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History of the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego

The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego was founded as the Art Center in La Jolla in 1941 in a building originally the residence of Ellen Browning Scripps. In 1996, it underwent a $9.2 million renovation and opened a new location in 2007 that added 30,000 square feet to its available space.

Another expansion in 2014 at the cost of $30 million was expected to triple the size of the original La Jolla location. The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego collection today includes key pieces by such noted artists as Donald Judd, Ellsworth Kelly, Robert Irwin, Piero Manzoni, Franz Kline, and Craig Kauffman, among others.

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Things to Know About the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego

Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego members get free entry; others must pay a nominal general admission fee. Military members and their families are free to enter, as are those under the age of 25 with ID. Students and seniors get discounted admission. Food, drink, luggage, large items, backpacks, and large bags are prohibited.

Photography is allowed where it doesn't violate copyright restrictions, for personal and non-commercial use. Tripods, monopods, and extensions are prohibited. Public tours are available several times per week. The museum is fully accessible to individuals with disabilities.

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Location: 700 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA

Phone: +1 858-454-3541

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