• What are the Museum's Hours?
• What are the Museum's Admission Prices?
• Is the Museum accessible to people with disabilities?
• Are there any restrictions on what I can bring into the Museum's galleries?
• Does the Museum allow photography or videotaping?
• Can I sketch or paint in the Museum?
• How do I get to the San Diego Museum of Art?
• Where do I park?
• How do I get to the Museum from the train/trolley station?
• How do I arrange for a tour of the Museum for a school group?
• When are tours of the Museum available for the general public?
• Are there any days when the Museum is free?
• What else is there to do in Balboa Park?
• What else is there to do in San Diego?
• Where can I eat?
• Who do I talk to about getting a work of art authenticated or appraised?
• What are your current/upcoming special exhibitions?
• What is a museum membership and how much does it cost?
• How do I reach the Museum Store?
• Can I host a special event or wedding at the Museum?

Waters Café @ SDMA offers fresh, gourmet soups, salads, sandwiches, and desserts at affordable prices in the Museum's elegant Sculpture Court. A casual, family-friendly eating experience, Waters Café @ SDMA is open Tuesday through Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Also, the Prado Restaurant, located in the nearby House of Hospitality building, is Balboa Park's only full-service restaurant and bar open for both lunch and dinner. Consult Balboa Park's Web site at for a complete listing and description of other eateries in the Park.

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Where do I park?

There is ample free parking in Balboa Park. In front of the Museum are many short-term parking spots, handicapped spots, and passenger loading zones. There is ample free parking next to the Organ Pavilion. A free Park Tram picks up and drops off passengers at specially designated stops throughout the Park. It passes each stop every 10-15 minutes from approximately 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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Are there any restrictions on what I can bring into the Museum's galleries?

Note that the following items are not allowed in museum galleries: food, drinks, folding chairs, umbrellas, baby carriers, backpacks and other bulky items. Strollers are not permitted in certain special exhibition galleries. You will be provided an opportunity to check in such items, at no charge, prior to entering the galleries. Pets, other than seeing-eye dogs, are not permitted in the Museum.

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Does the Museum allow photography or videotaping?

Still photography of objects in the Museum's permanent collection is permitted for private, noncommercial use only. Photographs cannot be published, sold, reproduced, transferred, distributed, or otherwise commercially exploited in any manner whatsoever.

Photography is not permitted in special exhibitions or in areas designated 'No Photography.' Works of art on loan to the Museum may not be photographed. Flash photography, the use of tripods, and the use of movie or video cameras is prohibited. Some artworks in the Museum's collection can be viewed in the Image Gallery and are available for purchase in the Museum Store. Images may also be viewed on the Museum's website: www.sdmart.org.

For press or special photography project needs, please contact the Marketing Department at: Tel (619) 696-1939, or Fax (619) 232-9367.

The Museum reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to withhold and/or withdraw permission to photograph on its premises.

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Can I sketch or paint in the Museum?

Sketching and drawing are permitted after completion of a permission form. Sketching is limited to the following dry materials: pencils, colored pencils, and crayons. All other mediums, easels, and clipboards exceeding 15" x 17" are prohibited.

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How do I get to the Museum from the train/trolley station?

Take the San Diego Trolley to the City College stop. Take the #7 bus towards La Mesa and get off at President's Way (in approximately 5 minutes). From this stop, there is a free tram that will take you to various locations in Balboa Park. For more information about this route and other bus routes, click here.

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Is the Museum accessible to people with disabilities?

The Museum is wheelchair accessible. For the convenience of our patrons, there are two wheelchairs available for use inside the Museum. They are lent out, free of charge, on a first-come, first-served basis. We regret that wheelchairs cannot be reserved in advance.

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Are there any days when the Museum is free?

There is free admission to the permanent collection on the third Tuesday of each month. Balboa Park has a selection of museums that offer free admission every first through fourth Tuesdays of the month. Click here for a schedule of Free Tuesdays.

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Can I host a special event or wedding at the Museum?

SDMA is pleased to extend the use of its facilities to corporations, non-profit organizations, and individuals for the purpose of private entertaining through our Partners in Art program. An event at the Museum not only provides a memorable experience, but also continues SDMA's commitment to increasing public appreciation for the arts by introducing new audiences to its exhibitions and facilities.

The types of private events most frequently hosted at the Museum include:

• Corporate receptions or dinners
• Receptions or dinners organized by national associations or non-profit entities as part of a convention or conference
• Private access to the galleries for corporate clients or special guests
• Weddings

Please contact the Special Events Manager at 619-696-1924 or events@sdmart.org for additional information.