Positively Passionate: Arts and Culture in San Diego
Museum of Contemporary Art
It may surprise you to know that there are over 30 museums in San Diego, and that only one of them is dedicated to surfing. Here's just a brief look at why this city by the beach is earning a reputation as a vibrant, culturally rich and culture-loving destination.
With 15 museums and 9 theatres and performing arts centers, Balboa Park is San Diego's cultural heart. "The Smithsonian of the West," this beautiful park houses its treasures among green expanses, cultivated gardens and Spanish Colonial Architecture, making it a magical place to spend the day. Wonder at the incredible displays in the San Diego Natural History Museum. See old masters from Rembrandt to Rubens in the intimate Timken Museum of Art. Or visit the Air & Space Museum to marvel at the actual Apollo 9 Command Module spacecraft. Theatre lovers would be amiss not to try to catch the latest show at The Old Globe, one of the most esteemed regional theatres in the country. In and of itself, Balboa Park holds enough wonderful sights and experiences to fill an entire vacation.
Next, head up the coast to the Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego in La Jolla. As if the surrounding ocean views weren't inspiring enough, the permanent collection at MCASD includes more than 4,000 works created after 1950. Working to stay on the cutting edge of the art world, the museum has a reputation for collecting works from the most promising emerging artists, as well as major figures in contemporary art. Painting, sculpture, photography, video, film and installation art are all represented. Don't miss Nancy Rubins' site-specific installation, "Pleasure Point," a colorful accumulation of rowboats, canoes, jet skis and surfboards that practically burst off the west side of the building.
The latest edition to San Diego's art scene is the wonderful New Children's Museum in downtown. A visual feast for the eyes and the imagination, this award-winning, environmentally-friendly building houses several stories brimming with hands-on exhibits and activities, and works by established and emerging artists designed to engage both children and adults alike. One visit may just change how you experience the world.
The Art of Hospitality: 3 Hotels with Inspired Collections
Se' San Diego
A new gem in San Diego's skyline, this 23-story, Asian-inspired luxury hotel is a unique experience in art and function. Among the black ebony columns, Nepali carpets, silk chandelier and floating staircase, you'll find inspired and imaginative installations from artists Ken Gangbar, Ball-Nogues, Jennifer Prichard and Joseph Conforti.
The US Grant
Built in 1910, completely renovated in 2006 and boasting 13 presidential stays, this Edwardian masterpiece in the Gaslamp Quarter was the first hotel ever to commission exclusive, original works by living artists. Sleep next to pieces by internationally acclaimed Yves Clement and American artist Gene Locklear.
The Lodge at Torrey Pines
An authentic reflection of the California Craftsman style of architecture, this incredible hotel proudly displays one of the largest collections of 20th Century impressionist and San Diego artist, Albert Robert Valentien.
Performing Arts
San Diego's flourishing arts and culture scene offers performing arts in every imaginable medium. Here are just a few of the performing arts companies and venues that bring art to life around the county.
The La Jolla Playhouse, a Tony® Award-winning theatre, presents bold and innovative productions from May through November on the UCSD campus.
One of the oldest LGBT theatres in the country, Diversionary Theatre produces edgy dramatic productions and playful musicals with gay, lesbian and bisexual themes, located in University Heights
The San Diego Symphony Orchestra presents world-class orchestral works year-round, including a popular outdoor Summer Pops series; the symphony performs in Copley Symphony Hall in downtown San Diego.
The San Diego Opera, Southern California's longest established opera company, presents the world's finest talent in lavish productions at the San Diego Civic Theatre in downtown San Diego.
Hot Tickets in 2009
The Da Vinci Experience(Feb. 1 - Nov. 1) at the
San Diego Air & Space Museum features over 30 full-sized and interactive replica machines built according to Da Vinci's notes and with 15th Century materials.
Ansel Adams: A Life's Work
(May 23 - Oct. 4) at the Museum of Photographic Arts in Balboa Park.
The First Wives Club - A New Musical
(July 15 - Aug. 23) premiering at The Old Globe theatre in Balboa Park. Based on the best-selling novel and Hollywood blockbuster, this musical is headed for Broadway.
Darwin: Evolution/Revolution
(Nov. 7 - Feb. 28) The San Diego Natural History Museum explores the life and work of Charles Darwin, 200 years after his birth.
Balboa Park December Nights
(Dec. 4 & 5) Kick-off the holiday season with a stroll through Balboa Park's own winter wonderland including carolers, Christmas trees, music, festive foods and holiday performances. Free entry at participating museums from 5-9 p.m.
La Boheme
(Jan. 30 - Feb. 7) One of the most popular operas ever written takes the stage for four performances at the San Diego Opera.
