Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego

313 reviews

700 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037

mcasd.org

+18584543541

About

Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego is a Art museum located at 700 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037. It has received 313 reviews with an average rating of 4.4 stars.

Photos

Hours

Monday10AM-4PM
Tuesday10AM-4PM
WednesdayClosed
ThursdayClosed
FridayClosed
Saturday10AM-4PM
Sunday10AM-4PM

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The address of Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego: 700 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037

  • Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego has 4.4 stars from 313 reviews

  • Art museum

  • "This is a bummer to write, but I need to warn people about going with kids before they drop a decent amount on their ticket as after speaking with other friends they have had similar experiences where they were basically ushered out after 20 minutes"

    "I came here for the first time since the remodel for a kids event put on by the museum for kids called “Play Day” on September 17th 2023"

    "25 June 2018 Museum is closed for renovations, without any clear notice"

    "Beautiful ocean view, cool artwork and exhibits"

    "We thoroughly enjoyed our experience here yesterday"

Reviews

  • Rebecca Drexler Tweedle

This is a bummer to write, but I need to warn people about going with kids before they drop a decent amount on their ticket as after speaking with other friends they have had similar experiences where they were basically ushered out after 20 minutes. I went with a small group on a weekday morning so as to miss the crowds because we knew we had small kids with us and that could pose a disturbance to some people. I’ve never had an issue until this time bringing my kids to museums and they’ve been to museums in the UK, NY, The Art Institute in Chicago, Artpace San Antonio, every museum in Balboa park, among others. To give an accurate view there were 3 adults and 6 kids ages 2-6 in our group. We arrived about the time they opened and headed first to the bathroom and the front desk lady asked if she could help us. When we said we going to the bathroom, with complete annoyance yelled emphatically over to us, “No, CAN I HELP YOU?”. So right off the bat it was awkward. We guessed we had to check in before using the bathroom? Once everyone was ready, one of the adults and I headed in with some of the kids and 2 docents blocked our way from entering one of the rooms. My friend responded, “oh, should we go that way?” And they said “yeah”. Mind you, there isn’t a particular sequence to visit the museum. And of course that first room had a giant sculpture that looked like a jungle-gym. ‍♀️ Each room had more than half a dozen docents and when the 3rd adult met up with us she said it was hilarious because we had 8 docents slowly creeping up behind us. Of course they would ask the kids not to touch the artwork, but instead of engaging the kids with questions like “do you like this piece, how does it make you feel?” they asked us through clenched teeth to go out into the sculpture garden after 20 minutes. So after Pretty Woman-style being asked to leave, we went into the small underwhelming sculpture garden. On the way outside, one of the 6-year-olds saw a room where he’s done kids’ activities on special events and he was curious to see someone in there. He opened the door to peek in and a staff member came over and closed the door in his face saying it was a “private camp”. Why she didn’t say “hi, we’re doing a private camp right now. Would you or your mom like some info on our future ones?” is baffling. Even despite all that, the boy said he wanted to do a camp there and his mom was like “no way.” So after wandering the tiny sculpture garden, we left. My 5-year-old had brought his allowance for the gift shop, but I was so pissed I didn’t even want to give him a chance to look. I was sad because one of the 6-year-olds had been told right before our trip that she “wasn’t coloring correctly” and stayed up all night trying to conform to somebody else’s ideals. Her mom brought her here to show her that anything can be art. There were about 24 docents working and we were the only ones in the museum other than one other couple I saw at the bag check. I’m not asking the museum to cater to kids, but they could make it more welcoming and if you’re going to creepily follow us around, make it fun and act like a guide. The museum obviously has the staff available. When you see that little girl in such awe with her mouth gaping open that she feels the need reach out and try to stroke the painting, don’t just ask her not touch it and usher her outside. Ask her not to touch it and then talk about the work and ask the her what she thinks about it. I’ve worked in the non-profit industry in the past and people would always complain that San Diegans don’t care about the arts and don’t want to support the arts. But if we don’t expose kids to it now, who will appreciate it in 10 or 20 years?
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$21–30

  • Rachael Bertholino

I came here for the first time since the remodel for a kids event put on by the museum for kids called “Play Day” on September 17th 2023. We did all the fun kids things and then decided to have a tour of the museum. It was at that point I really started to NOT enjoy myself. As an artist myself there is no greater lover of art and I understand the need to protect it. I would also love to pass that love onto my child and that’s why I brought her to this event. The museum invited kids here for a KIDS event and kids will be kids! Naturally they are less self aware and wander too close or may want to touch and we try as parents to keep them away. At one point as I transitioned to another room and my kiddo trailed behind I was told by a staff member , “there’s a daughter back there” as if to say how dare you leave her in here alone. The overall vibe by the staff in every room was filled with rigid glares and irritation. At one point we also wandered into a room with only a large window facing the ocean with some cutout shapes. I went to sit in the windowsill to take a picture with my kid and was barked at with aggression and irritation by a staff member with her head titled and face cringed that the window itself was a work of art and to stay away!! Good lord! How rude!! I just thought it was a window and wanted a pic in front of the sea! Then we were told by some staff to head out to the sculpture garden where the kids could INTERACT with the art. While we were out there a staff member came out and said that “multiple of his staff members” were calling about us and how we need to stay away from the art. This was just the cherry on top of a very unpleasant experience. In my opinion the MCA needs to have better communication with its staff and all should be on the same page about what is and isn’t interactive, and more education about patience and kindness with families on a FAMILY designated day for art. For now, we will not be back. No thank you!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

  • Callie M

25 June 2018 Museum is closed for renovations, without any clear notice. We checked the hours online, even went directly on the museum website. Drove all the way out to La Jolla and parked, walked all the way around the building looking for the entrance. No signs said anything about closure, but there were no open, unlocked doors. Also nothing posted about when it's reopening. The lack of consideration for patrons & visitors is frustrating. I flew all the way out here from Boston and wasted about 3 hours on my last day on this farce. Wish I had known to spend my last afternoon at Balboa Park hitting all those museums instead. UPDATE I hunted on their confusing website to see if I could figure out when they are open. Apparently they have a temporary downtown location during construction, but it's anybody's guess what the hours are because they list 2 completely contradictory hours of operation, listed one right after the other without any clarification whatsoever. Either they're open daily, or open Thursday through Sunday. I can't tell which is correct. I copied & pasted below directly from the website in case this makes more sense to anybody than it does to me. Hours MCASD La Jolla is currently closed for a major renovation and expansion project. Please visit us at MCASD Downtown during the closure Please note: the Museum will be closed on Wednesday, July 4, 2018. 1100 Kettner Blvd. > 11 AM – 5 PM daily. Closed Wednesday. Free on the third Thursday of every month from 5-8 PM. 1001 Kettner Blvd. > 11 AM – 5 PM Thursday through Sunday. Closed Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. Free on the third Thursday of every month from 5-8 PM.

  • Matt Catalano

Beautiful ocean view, cool artwork and exhibits. However, as other reviewers have noted, horribly bad security staff to ruin your experience. We recently had our wedding reception here and it was unfortunately staffed by the worst security team I’ve ever seen in any situation, let alone for a museum/event space. One of them began the reception by yelling at us (the bride and groom) in front of all our guests for taking pictures outside. Infuriating, but we tried to let it go. Meanwhile they let one of our guest’s toddlers walk past them and get into an elevator by herself before her mother rushed to stop the doors from closing. Also, while not a huge deal, they should really implement a dress code. While some of the staff were dressed in uniforms, others were wearing very casual street clothes (jean jacket, tshirt, gold chains, sneakers). I’m all for people being comfortable but clearly not appropriate for the setting. Finally, when it was time to leave the reception, another security staff member was loudly telling people they needed to get out because they were closing. Much like a bouncer would do at a dive bar. This was a nice wedding and they were talking to our elderly parents, aunts and uncles. Completely inappropriate and a little shocking. All of the time, effort, and money spent on our event and it was largely soured by aggressive and poorly trained staff. We obviously expected a lot more from this type of venue. A real shame because it could have been great

  • Crystal Pyramid Productions San Diego Video Company

We thoroughly enjoyed our experience here yesterday. We're long-time fans of the work of transplanted Parisian, Niki de Saint-Phalle, whose art dots the Southern California landscape - San Diego Convention Center, Balboa Park, UCSD and Kit Carson Park. This retrospective exhibit at MOCASD focuses on Saint-Phalle's work in the 1960s. It's a revelatory exhibit, providing the "how," "why" and "what" of her early direction. One thing that surprised us was her use of guns in exploding sculptures loaded with paint packs. She delved into the themes of the day: violence, misogyny and war. Then you can see how she maneuvered into a more nurturing and colorful place - with her big-balloon-like female figures. The museum is much expanded with rooms jutting out in all directions. One room has windows with holes strategically placed so you can point your camera out the window and take some lovely photographs of La Jolla's coastline. Try not to touch the glass, though. All in all, a very rewarding few hours. Note: You CAN ABSOLUTELY TAKE PHOTOS, which I find so fun and freeing!

  • Tim Kraska

Great museum.... The location is amazing right on the beach. The architecture of the building is just really comfortable to walk around. Plenty of space and they did a great job making the museum itself very relaxing. The special exhibit was well curated and their work displayed really nicely. The museum is small and you can tour it in an hour, or make it take all day. There are three floors and plenty of art to take in. There are also balconies you can walk out on that have great ocean views, and the canoe sculpture attached to the back of the museum is really cool. The price of admission is $25 for adults, a little pricey but not disappointing, with every penny.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
$21–30

  • FDA/ RS

Another museum in the San Diego area besides the major the ones located in Balboa Park. But unlike the Art Museum in Balboa Park, this one is just strictly contemporary art.The building itself is beautiful and there are some lovely arched windows which only enhance the experience. Overall a great place to chill for about 30 min - 2 hours depending on how long you like to look at art. Also the staff was very kind and helpful which again, is hard to come by in museums. MCASD is great in general, but the down side is the lack of available parking. Because it is located in downtown, there is no free parking and you just have to get lucky with the street parking. ****

  • Eddie McGinness

The free view from the terrace is amazing! My favorite piece was the woman in pigtails with a pasta strainer on her head. The most confusing piece was a second photograph of the same woman in pigtails with a different pasta strainer on her head; it felt derivative, too forced and lacked the authenticity of the first photograph that just grabbed you, shook you and pulsed in your senses with a vibrancy that could only be compared to the swedish meatballs at IKEA.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
1 hr+
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$21–30

  • Noah Roth

Modern and contemporary art fans will be in heaven. When you enter the first gallery you’re greeted by Ellsworth Kelly’s Red Blue Green and large white cubes by Sol LeWitt. A small yellow Rothko nonchalantly on a back wall to an epic California coast windowed room with a Warhol Flowers & Roy Lichtenstein donning the walls. The must see is Robert Irwin’s windows. Simple, spectacular, never seen anything like it before. Cool cafe serving breakfast & lunch. Everyone on site was friendly. If you’ve been to the Menil in Houston, similar vibe and quality. Highly recommend

  • elle arnot

World class collection of modern art in a world class space. Impressive curating of Niki De Saint Phalle exhibit. Works of women artists well represented in their permanent collection. Content everywhere, including the architecture of new additional space.Art heaven for artists, teachers, students. Even a general tourist with no particular interest in art will find something to stop, look and really see. I also live the MCA downtown SD next to Santa Fe Depot. Two such gems in San Diego County. Oh yes, fun small gift shop with select unusual items.

  • Monique Wynn

Incredibly racist museum. Me and my sister were followed and harassed by security in every single exhibit in the museum. We were not there for more than 10 minutes, and by the last couple minutes of our unfortunate and uncomfortable time there, there were 2-3 guards closely following us into every room and around every corner. It is absolutely disgusting how this museum has treated and continues to treat Black people. If you're Black, please spare yourself the discomfort and avoid this museum completely.

  • Delphine Valentin

Spectacular remodel.. I used to work at the Museum in the 2000's and I attended the grand reopening night a few months ago. Wow, what a beautiful new building. The permanent collection is taking on a new life in this world class museum. The sculpture garden is overviewing the ocean and the west wing of the Museum has spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. The Nikki de St Phalle retrospective was superb and the Robert Irwin window art are a must see. Looking forward of the upcoming shows.

  • John Smith

Went here today, and couldn’t even get past the first room in the museum before being racially profiled. I, a black male, who is a doctor who works in the community, was told I had to check in my bag because it was too large. Yet 10 feet away a white woman was wearing a large bag as well and was never asked to check in her bag. The security guard even admitted he never asked her. I will take my LV bags somewhere else in the future. Never going back here again.

  • Mavis Williamson

A museum map would have been useful. The Guard was so helpful and explained the floors.. Beautiful everything. I would have appreciated a written guide with a little chat about the art. It was delightful. I will return to see the same show, Very Cool! Many museums have a café/restaurant i wanted to enjoy a lunch. It is a coffee cart at 11 PM
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

  • Troy Stepp

I went as part of a free event, put on by a Lighting Rep firm. So I'm not sure what normal fees would be for entry. The Building itself is more of a piece of art, than ANY of the art pieces I saw inside. Guess I'm not a fan of "Contemporary Art". Ultimately, it was a nice getaway from my normal work day, as I took my wife with me.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
Free

  • jmlcamacho

what a great refresh of the space. It’s so perfectly crafted to exhibit the art. We went on a free second Sunday around 12, and it was not that busy. I love they have so many free days (2 a month) that make it accessible. Will be headed to the one downtown soon! Don’t forget to check out the terrace for a wonder view of La Jolla Beach
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

  • Pau Wes

DO NOT SUPPORT THIS RACIST MUSEUM. My husband,a doctor was racially profiled and disrespected by security guard. We complained to lead while demanding a refund. I asked for her supervisor's contact information. She lied and told me she was in charge of the entire museum which was an obvious lie. The cashier is in charge of the millions of dollars of artwork herself? We will never go there again and only speak negatively about the museum.

  • Armando León

Great museum, collection is decent with the names you would expect of a contemporary art museum, and a lot of contemporary borderlands art as well. Location is incredible, building is very beautiful (especially the new wing). I would recommend a visit if you are in La Jolla and want to fill up an hour or two.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$16–20

  • Nicole Gross

Museum is really strict about sitting and looking at the art. You are only allowed to sit on the benches not the floors. I’ve never been to a museum that does not allow you to kneel and look at the pieces, very strange. Very rude. Do you think they allow people with wheelchairs to sit or do they have to crawl from bench to bench and only enjoy the artwork in-front of that particular bench.
Wait time
No wait

  • Rob Stephenson

Lots of wonderful pieces to see. A great variety of art displayed. I went on a Friday and had no problem getting in. My date loved the displays and it was wonderful discussing our thoughts on the many pieces. I’m going back again in about a month. I didn’t get to see all of the artwork.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$21–30

  • Ahmed Jaffery

Absolutely spectacular museum. Their is so much great abstract art that you can sit, stare, and ponder about. The ocean views from the windows and balconies are wonderful and great for pictures. This is a world class museum, and it’s totally free on the second Sunday of every month!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$11–15

  • Sarah Wright

Love this museum! It’s larger on the inside than it seems from the outside, as it’s of split-level construction. Good to know: they offer student/teacher/senior discount, as well as a SD County local discount. We spent almost 3 hours there and didn’t get to every gallery!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$16–20

  • Anne Caroline

I had a great time at the museum. The arts are beautiful. The auditoriums are an ocean view, a fair entrance, and several incredible arts inspirational and full of life. Perfect for walking with the family, getting inspired, and enriching your culture and knowledge.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
$6–10

  • Cecily Blayre

MCA really saved my soul & spirit over the years. The collection of wrecked boats 'shipwrecked' was so perfectly placed the first time I saw the exhibit it took my breathe away. Perfect location perched at the LA Jolla cove and on the opposite side of the building it is super easy to access. You just roll up & dine at the amazing Cafe. Farm to table food and amazing dining experience.

  • Michael Henderson

Theres 2 kinds of people here. People who want to be the person who goes to a museum and looks at art, and people who want to go to a museum to look at art. Be the 2nd one. Enjoy the art, ignore the price tags and try to put yourself where the artist was when they made the piece. Dont make it a goal to see every art piece, make it a goal to truly stop and consider at least one.

  • Sharon Black

We came here on their free museum day on the 3rd Thursday of the month. We expected a big crowd but it wasn't crowded at all. It's such a nice museum and we spent over 2 hours looking at all the exhibits. And the view of the ocean from the windows where breathtaking. Such a beautiful location!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Deniz Turkmen

One of La Jolla's landmarks, this museum will satisfy your itch for different types of modern art. In my opinion art is supposed to hit your different emotions and senses. You are welcome to question an art piece such as "why this canvas looks blank" but by asking that question and having the puzzled feeling, that art piece just did what it was supposed to do.

  • Carolee Kolmer

My first visit to a Contemporary Art Museum. This did not disappoint. If you happen to have a few hours and are looking for something to do , go here. Several exhibits to enjoy and ponder. Also, we paid for 2 seniors so got a discount.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
$11–15

  • Paola Pérez

The place is beautiful and it’s located in La Jolla near all of the good places to visit there. I found very confusing to follow “a path” inside the museum, because there weren’t enough indicators, and it make it a little bit confusing for me. I went on a Thursday, free museum days, and I enjoyed some of the exhibitions, others weren’t that good.

  • Steve Dayton

Beautiful museum. I got a chance to see up close and in person artworks by artists whose work up to now I could only view in books or online. The staff is very helpful and gracious. All the collections are well displayed. You are allowed to take pictures.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Price for adult entry
$11–15

  • Maihiti Anu

I should give it a 4 star but im highly picky. Still a 3 star for me is amazing. The art is always awesome here. The installations are amazing and the scenic views from some of the rooms are great. But most of all the bookstore is a gem. I absolutely love this book store I could close my eyes grab a random book and buy it.

  • Damien Gallot

Beautiful space and location. Note: it is a matter of taste but I struggle with some of the art. Even if I am up for a challenge, some of it is ... too 'challenging'. Also, stay for a coffee or bite at the restaurant/Cafe onsite, great.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Sylvia Carolina

Beautiful museum with solid pieces beyond Irwin’s works, although those alone are worth the visit. If you can, watch the sunset through his window cutout on a Thursday when the museum is open late.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$21–30

  • Kyu Chae

A lot of contemporary art and abstract art on display. They had children friendly events at the lower level. The view from the back looking out to La Jolla bay is nice touch and an art of itself
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$11–15

  • David Struss

I have visited this museum a number times over the years. It's not a huge museum but yet they have some very nice exhibits. Normally and it's not overcrowded with people and you can easily stroll through the exhibits. They have a nice exterior garden where you can sit and relax and look at the ocean or just talk.

  • Matthias Blume

We thoroughly enjoyed the recently reopened, enlarged MCASD, including the views of the Pacific Ocean alongside contemporary art. Beautiful! The current "Niki de Saint Phalle in the 60's" special exhibition is outstanding.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Craig Monsell

Newly renovated and with much more gallery space, this museum is worth seeing for the exceptional location and views, and architectural spaces, as well as the art collection.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$21–30

  • Georgios Boudalis

The blanch of the museum in downtown San Diego is closed for reinstalation and there is no clear notice of this fact in the museum's website, or on Google, the only option is to visit the branch in La Jolla which is about an hour with public transport from the downtown branch. Shame....

  • Michael Woodward

Love this museum! Even better since they remodeled it. Such an incredible selection of contemporary art. A must on your places to visit if in San Diego and love art.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$11–15

  • Julio C. Pinedo Jr.

Great Art expos. A nice Museum to spend a Fay or Afternoon browsing through, but more importantly, a Beautiful location! Overlooking the La Jolla Beach down below. Just an immaculate location!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

  • Miriam R. Alvarez

A nice experience, a museum with an amazing view. The ambiance is relaxed and vibrant at the same time. Staff is friendly and helpful. I will visit again soon.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

  • Alessandro Frati

Visited on reopening day with much of a crowd and a special exhibit. Will have to come back to further appreciate the permanent collection. The new building adds much needed space and Annabelle Selldorf still delivers without imposing. Plenty of terraces overlooking the ocean.

  • Zoe Navapanich

There's actually a really great selection here with some super recognizable modern artists as well as some beautiful and interesting pieces I've never even heard of. I went during one of their free evenings and really enjoyed the atmosphere it had when opened to the community.

  • Rosie Hutchison

Each room varied in the flavor of art pieces. With that said, there was some forms that was repetitive. Like other reviewers mentioned the square cut outs of the ocean was quite nice.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

  • michelle stack

Beautifully set in La Jolla beach shoreline with viewing area to shore. All art very intriguing and done by artists from SoCal and Mexico.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
$16–20

  • Charlotte Bason

Great museum, good size, very interesting curated exhibits and quite a few great pieces in the permanent collection. They organize family days with great kids activities too.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

  • Kurt Bassett

Had a great lunch with my friend. Great service and friendly staff. Food was outstanding. We didn't do the museum, but ate at the cafe.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

  • Peggy Totzke

I hadn't yet been since all of the renovations. It is beautiful and I am going back to spend more time seeing all of the new exhibits.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

  • Philip Mischler

Very interesting contemporary art museum bacon up to the Pacific Ocean. Good set and good views especially from the balconies.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

  • Jahnae Runnells

The guard followed us the ENTIRE time. He said not one word to us but went to every area in every room we were in. There were other guests in the museum but he continued to follow us around. The manager did absolutely nothing but expressed

  • Justin Stearns

The gift is smaller after new construction. I still found some gifts and cards to send to family back east.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$21–30

  • Kathy Jackson

Great time at this museum. Much larger than I had expected. Give yourself an hour and a half to see this.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$11–15

  • Selena Gomez

Free parking on street nearby. Great views of the ocean. It only has 3 floors and not many galleries. Only took me 40mins.
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$21–30

  • Paolo Gardinali

Great collection, might need to improve on signage and general directions to the various floors.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$21–30

  • Paulius J.

Great experience, solid exhibition. Happy museum is open again! Thank you MCASD, we will be back.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

  • Stan F

A must visit place, new, larger. Great exhibit of Niki de San Phalle. Super friendly staff.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

  • Sheila Schuldt

What a beautiful experience! I highly recommend a stop here while visiting Lajolla, CA.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$16–20

  • CherylAnn Farrell

Fantastic modern art exhibits. Restaurant for breakfast was fantastic. Cute gift store with wide range of pricing.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

  • Chris Bristol

Great contemporary art selection with beautiful outdoor views of the beach.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
$21–30

  • Jared Zimmerman

The architecture here is the star, the collection is boring and focuses too heavily on white male artists
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$16–20

  • Daniel Sarmiento

We browsed through collections of photos with placards that gave good context to them. The boys enjoyed going through the stories and looking at the pictures. The garden outside was also beautiful

  • Pamela Dirkes

Beautiful art museum on the gorgeous Southern California coastline. Small enough to enjoy in a couple of hours, but can easily spend more time if desired. A perfect place to spend the afternoon.

  • Sergiy V. Dickstein

Really great spot after their Cafe is finally open after the renovation.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

  • Shaolin_TCG 47

I'm fascinated with Niki thank you so much for the enlightening experience. The entire building was beautiful not just because of the fantastic art but also the great views of the ocean.

  • Jessica Leung

Offers free admission to UCSD students. Not really part of the art, but the back room of the museum has a super beautiful view of La Jolla. Watching sunsets here is just breathtaking.

  • Ivy Judith Suarez

I love art, I would have liked it to be bigger :)
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
$16–20

  • Christina Copenhaver

Stunning museum. Definitely worth a visit in La Jolla.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$21–30

  • Sean Savage (SuperGreenBacon)

Newly remodeled and much bigger than before. Now with views of the ocean and a terrace.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Price for adult entry
$21–30

  • Kyle Hayford

Great experience, well worth the money and your time.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$21–30

  • Andrii Yudenko

Very interesting museum with large exposition.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
Free

  • Richard Lam

This place is an awesome stop if you're in downtown La Jolla. Bonus if you're a student and free entry for youth under 25! The views from the deck are also quite amazing.

  • Thelma Solis

Nicely stacked with diversed art
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$16–20

  • Ron Cuevas

Nice exhibits,friendly staff
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
$11–15

  • Sean

We came on a Thursday. On some Thursdays, admission is free. I really like the square holes in the window. They bring in a nice breeze.

  • Vicky Kern

The remodel is beautiful. I enjoyed the art
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

  • Vahe Gemilyan

Surprisingly large and spacious museum with lots of interesting installations even for people who are not much into the modern art

  • Christine Barber

A good compact modern art museum. Fun and interesting pieces. great location, spectacular views, helpful staff, easy parking.

  • Mark Wagner

Great space, nice exhibits. One star off because it feels like there should be a bit more rotation of what's being shown.

  • Carmen Casarez

Great time! Found new Tequila's wonderful weather and location to enjoy the Spirits Festival !
Visited on
Weekend

  • Jing

This is a fantastic museum with beautiful views. I enjoyed staying on the terrace and watching the sea and sky.

  • Graham Gibbs

Large international collection of contemporary in a beautiful location and incredible views.

  • Luca Carraro

A big chunk of the museum is free to visit and architecturally stunning. Perfect detailing!

  • Eric Carpenter

Lots of great art to see right in La Jolla.
Visited on
Weekend…
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  • Paul Filenko

It's refreshing to have a world-class contemporary art museum in town :)

  • Daniela Quintero

Really nice museum!
Reservation recommended
Yes…
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  • Rick Sims

It was a nice experience.
Visited on
Weekday…
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  • Anita Neff

Much bigger museum than I expected. Lots of great pieces

  • Edward Teitel

Beautiful location with many amazingly pieces to study.

  • Pam W

Beautiful museum! So glad they got it opened.

  • James C

Great location and ocean view

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