San Diego Museum Month returns for its 35th year from Feb.1-29, 2024, with an expansion across the border. For the first time ever, the popular program includes cultural sites in Tijuana and Baja California, making it the biggest, most diverse San Diego Museum Month ever, with over 70 regional cultural sites offering half-off admission throughout February.
World Design Capital 2024 also officially endorsed Museum Month as part of the international showcase demonstrating how San Diego and Tijuana effectively use design to improve quality of life. Endorsed events are meant to stimulate thinking and bring communities together. San Diego Tijuana is the first cross-border region to be designated World Design Capital and the first time a U.S. city has been selected.
“As we celebrate cross-border collaborations during the World Design Capital San Diego Tijuana 2024, we’re excited to welcome Baja California museums and galleries to Museum Month for the first time,” said San Diego Museum Council Executive Director Bob Lehman. “We hope this collaboration is the first of many to come as we promote our region as a global arts and culture destination.”
San Diego Museum Month was created in 1989 to promote the region’s diverse range of high-quality cultural offerings during a traditionally slow period for most local museums. It has since grown to become a wildly popular program with both locals and tourists alike. In 2023, more than 110,000 people enjoyed half-off admission at local museums during Museum Month. The expansion into Mexico is expected to set a new record for participation.
“This event is critical in connecting visitors and locals with our rich arts and cultural landscape. Expanding Museum Month to incorporate cross-border elements not only highlights our region’s diversity but also enhances the family experience with a broad array of art, science, music, and history. Museum Month will encourage visitors to see and do even more,” said Julie Coker, president and CEO of the San Diego Tourism Authority.
The program has also grown over the years to include a broader range of San Diego institutions beyond traditional museums, including aquariums, nature and wildlife centers, gardens, historic sites, state parks, and more. In 2020, 40 museums participated in Museum Month. In 2024, there will be more 70 participating locations, including the newest additions of Legoland California Resort and SeaLife Aquarium, WNDR Museum, California Wolf Center, and Deer Park Winery & Auto Museum. For a full list of participating locations, visit the San Diego Museum Council website.
Museum Month 2024 is supported by First 5 San Diego as well as state, county and city arts funds and The Pecus Group.
“One of the best ways for children to learn is through hands-on experiences and that is exactly what museums allow them to do,” said Alethea Arguilez, Executive Director of First 5 San Diego. “Museum Month provides such a great opportunity for parents to engage their children in art, science, music, history and more. Most importantly, they get to do it together as a family, which is vital for the healthy development of children.”
The San Diego Museum Council has once again partnered with the Serra Cooperative Library System, offering convenient access to Museum Month passes for local residents in communities across San Diego County to improve museum accessibility. Head to a local library to pick up a Museum Month pass for free. Passes are also available at the San Diego Law Library and Oceanside Welcome Center.
Each Museum Month pass can be used for up to four half-priced admissions at any of the participating museums (Additional fees may apply for special exhibitions and events at some museums). Guests can use their Museum Month pass to visit as many museums as they would like during the month of February. Museum Month is not valid in conjunction with any other discounts or with the Balboa Park Explorer pass.
This year also includes digital passes that can be found on sandiegomuseumcouncil.org. Guests will be able to download passes for each museum they would like to visit directly to their phones, although some sites may only accept printed passes. Others, such as Birch Aquarium, require advanced online reservations. Be sure to check the website for any restrictions before visiting.
Discussion about this post