Visitors to the San Diego Museum of Art have a new opportunity to explore its unique collections and exhibits free of charge.
General admission will be completely free for all guests on the second Thursday of each month, the museum announced on Friday. In addition, students and active and veteran military service members with valid identification will now have free daily access. For service members, a guest can also join at no cost.
“We are proud to open our doors to more audiences and enhance our museum offerings, so all members of the San Diego community and beyond can experience the museum without barriers,” said Roxana Velásquez, the museum’s CEO and executive director.
Funding to support these new initiatives comes from a $1.6 million Access for All grant from a national organization, the Art Bridges Foundation, the museum’s announcement said. The funding will be received over a three-year period and will also go toward other opportunities for community access, including workshops, storytelling events, free guided tours and accessibility tours.
“It is an honor to be recognized through the Access for All grant from the Art Bridges Foundation alongside many other historic institutions, and we look forward to expanding our audience and bringing in new communities as a result of the grant,” Velásquez said.
The museum will also continue to offer free admission to San Diego County residents on the third Tuesday of every month.
Some of the many collections and exhibits on view at the museum currently include art of East Asia, “Carlo Miranda: In Search of Sonder,” “Korea in Color: A Legacy of Auspicious Images” and European art from 1300 to 1800.
The San Diego Museum of Art and the Museum of Photographic Arts announced a merger last year, so visitors can also see photographic arts. The next free Thursday will occur on Feb. 8.
