Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego La Jolla

Frommer's Review

Focusing on work produced since 1950, this museum is known internationally for its permanent collection and thought-provoking exhibitions. MCASD's collection of contemporary art comprises more than 3,000 works of painting, sculpture, drawings, prints, photography, video, and multimedia works. The holdings include every major art movement of the past half-century, with a strong representation by California artists. You'll see particularly noteworthy examples of minimalism, light and space work, conceptualism, installation, and site-specific art -- the outside sculptures were designed specifically for this location. The museum itself is perched on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and the views from the galleries are gorgeous. The original building on the site was the residence of the legendary Ellen Browning Scripps, designed by Irving Gill in 1916. It became an art museum in 1941, and the original Gill building facade was uncovered and restored in 1996. More than a dozen exhibitions are scheduled each year, and MCASD also offers lectures, cutting-edge films, and special events on an ongoing basis. Free docent tours are available Thursday at 6pm and weekends at 2pm. The museum offers free daily admission to those 25 and under; a paid ticket will get you into the beautiful new downtown space for free, if visited within 7 days. The bookstore is also a great place for contemporary gifts, and the cafe is a pleasant stop before or after your visit.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

Back to Top