One museum at two locations reflects all angles and edges of contemporary art. The original museum (in La Jolla) began in a community art center in 1941 and now the museum has a permanent endowment fund of more than $40 million, with an operating budget of $6 million. Besides being filled with innovative engaging art, both the downtown and La Jolla museum buildings themselves are worth a visit.
- Other Venue: Museum of Contemporary Art, La Jolla (700 Prospect Street)
- Public Transportation: Good (both downtown locations are a short walk from the Blue and Orange lines, and buses 2, 83, 210, 810, 820, 850, 860, 923, and 992 at America Plaza; and Amtrak and COASTER trains at the San Diego Santa Fe Depot. The La Jolla location is easily accessible from by bus 30.)
- Handicapped Accessibility: Good
- Hours: Thursday–Tuesday 11 a.m.–5 p.m., closed Wednesday. Open the third Thursday of each month 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
- Admission: General admission $10, seniors and military $5, MCASD members and visitors under 25 free. Admission is valid for seven days at all MCASD locations. Free museum admission is on the third Thursday from 5 p.m.–7 p.m.
- Basic Tour: Public tours are free at all MCASD locations on the third Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. and on weekends at 2 p.m.
- Membership: Active (Dual/Household) memberships range from $75 to $149 and include personalized membership cards for two; free unlimited admission to all MCASD locations including the Jacobs Building, 1001 Kettner, and La Jolla; preview mailings, exclusive invitations, and free or reduced admission to all museum events throughout the year; 15% discounts at both museum stores; 10% discounts at the Museum Café in La Jolla; and a subscription to VIEW, MCASD’s award-winning quarterly newsletter. Members also enjoy reciprocal membership at numerous museums nationwide. Membership is entirely tax deductible and discounted senior, military, artist, student, and educator memberships are offered for just $35.
