Painting of Venice Italy at the San Diego Art Museum
The San Diego Museum of Art contains both permanent installations and rotating exhibits. Some exhibits are annual events, such as the Art Alive event which occurs every year in April. During this fundraiser, artists replicate one of the works on display at the museum with flower petals and other organic material.
Art Alive is just one of the many different non-permanent exhibits at the museum. Check the official museum website for more information about rotating attractions, or check out the permanent attractions listed below.
Keep in mind that due to the large size of the collection, not every piece of art owned by the museum will be on display at the same time. Parts of the permanent collection may be rotated out to give other works time to shine. This means there’s always something new to see on repeat visits!
While many incredible exhibits have been rotated such as the Visions of the West, Visible Vaults, Renaissance to Realism and California Colorist, others like the Art in the Open air series just continue to evolve.
Read on to learn about the latest exhibits on display now at the museum!
Modern Tapestry Art at the San Diego Art Museum
Modern and Contemporary Art
While much of the museum’s gallery was created hundreds or thousands of years ago, there are modern components too. In the Modern and Contemporary Art collection, you’ll see how modern painters break from many of the old art traditions and create works that are entirely new in their construction, tone, and purpose.
Painting by the Famous French Artist Claude Monet at the San Diego Art Museum
Impressionism and Post-Impressionism
The impressionism period began in Paris, France in the early 1870s, but its aftershocks lasted until well into the 20th century. The Impressionism and Post-Impressionism exhibit showcases paintings during this time period as well as works inspired by the artistic era. Featured artists include Amadeo Modigliani, Pierre Bonnard, Edgar Degas, and Edouard Vuillard.
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The Outdoor Cafe and Bar - Panama 66 at The San Diego Museum of Art
Art of the Open Air
Art of the Open Air is a showcase of sculptures in the Plaza de Panama sculpture garden. In the garden are sculptures made out of various materials and in all shapes and sizes.
This exhibit is unique in that it is accessible outside of the museum, allowing the museum to provide free public access to these works.
Art of the Americas at the San Diego Art Museum
Of Sea and Sand: California Paintings
View California’s most majestic sights through a painter’s eyes. From its glittering oceans to its deserts and hills, see how different artists have approached the task of interpreting and portraying California in the Of Sea and Sand: California Paintings exhibit.
Art by Bartolome Bermejo at the San Diego Art Museum
Art of Devotion
Portrayals of Christianity have evolved significantly over time, even among the canon of classical artwork. The Art of Devotion exhibit showcases religious paintings created in Europe from 1300–1800, starting with paintings commissioned by the Catholic Church during the Medieval and Renaissance eras and capturing the changes in attitudes that followed the Reformation and Post-Reformation eras.
Art of the Portrait
Experience a look back at the ways that portraiture has developed over the past 100 years at the Art of the Portrait exhibit. From the realm of wealthy aristocrats to the domain of the modern “selfie,” see samples of this art form throughout the decades.
Modern Women
The Modern Women exhibit is a collection of artwork acknowledging the often-understated contributions that women have made to the world of art. Works on display range in style and medium, just as diverse as the women who created them.
Art of East Asia
The Art of East Asia exhibit includes pieces from Japan, China, and Korea, all of which are housed in a newly-renovated gallery. Many works feature elements from Buddhism, Daoism, and Shintoism. Unique interactive elements invite guests to learn via a hands-on experience.
Arts of South and Southeast Asia
View paintings and other works from Southern Asia and beyond at the Arts of South and Southeast Asia exhibit. Some of the pieces in this gallery are as old as the first century, while others are from the nineteenth century, covering a broad span of time characterized by its cultural and artistic changes.
German Expressionism Art at the San Diego Art Museum
German Expressionism
The German Expressionism collection houses 48 paintings from German and Austrian artists during the height of Europe’s avant-garde movement. The paintings represent a form of rebellion in the early 20th century, with expressionism providing an outlet for artists’ voices.
Arts of Iran
The paintings and other works of art in the Arts of Iran exhibit range from pieces produced in modern-day Iran to artwork made during the Persian Empire. Alongside paintings, this collection includes diverse mediums such as metalworking, ceramics, calligraphy, and glass blowing.
Pottery and Sculptures at the San Diego Art Musuem
Art of the 20th Century
The rise of abstract art characterizes many of the works in the Art of the 20th Century exhibit. These modernist artworks employ techniques like surrealism and cubism as a reaction to shifting social and political trends. Visit this gallery to see the way artwork transformed over the course of the century.
Museum of Photographic Arts
In July of 2023, the Museum of Photographic Arts (also known as MOPA) merged with the San Diego Museum of Art, combining the two institutions. Visitors to SDMA can now view selections from MOPA’s extensive collections of photographs in the new department The Museum of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art, or MOPA@SDMA.
Javi Admiring Art at the San Diego Art Museum
Rotating Exhibits
The San Diego Museum of Art houses temporary collections that rotate every few months. Exhibits currently on display include:
- Korea in Color: A Legacy of Auspicious Images (through March 3, 2024)
- Pearls from the Ocean of Contentment (through April 7, 2024)
- Berenice Abbott: Changing New York (through June 16, 2024)
- Agents of Power: Body Adornment in African Art (through July 7, 2024)
For the most up-to-date list of the current exhibits on display, check the museum’s homepage.
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Todd having a Beer at Panama 66 at The San Diego Museum of Art
Art After Hours
Art After Hours is an attraction that runs on Friday evenings. Guests are invited to tour the museum after closing time and enjoy the weekly showcase. Adult guests can order beer and cocktails at Panama 66, while they select from a menu of locally sourced food and experience live musical performances.
Though alcoholic beverages are served with ID, this event is open to all ages.
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Panama 66 Bar at The San Diego Museum of Art
Culture and Cocktails
Culture and Cocktails is a 21+ only event and attraction. Enjoy a night of good drinks, great conversation, and amazing artwork, complete with a rotating featured art exhibit. These events include exciting music and dance performances, and catering by local businesses.