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Housed in stunning structures of Spanish-Colonial, Mayan, and Aztec designs that are architectural treasures in their own right, exhibits at these acclaimed museums constantly change, making Balboa Park (see Balboa Park) a year-round attraction. Enjoy the exhibits of fine art, photography, aerospace, anthropology, model trains, and much more (see Balboa Park Museums).

The most important contemporary art trends are presented at this museum. Docent-led tours, lectures, and special family nights make art accessible to all. The museum’s flagship facility (see Museum of Contemporary Art) is at the former oceanfront home of Ellen Browning Scripps (see Ellen Browning Scripps Park), with a satellite location downtown (see Museum of Contemporary Art).

This museum pays tribute to the men and ships that so influenced the history and life of San Diego. Fascinating permanent and temporary exhibitions educate and entertain, while anchored ships can be boarded and explored.

Artifacts such as ceramics, bone toothbrushes, and old photographs document a fascinating slice of San Diego’s history in this Spanish-style building that once served as a Chinese mission. Of special note is the ornate bed that once belonged to a Chinese warlord. In the back garden, a gate leads to a small waterfall and koi pond.

Chinese Historical Museum Signs

This gallery presents international contemporary artists. Discover the colorful works of Gaudi-influenced artist Niki de Saint Phalle, the pen-and-ink drawings of Mexico’s José Luis Cuevas, the bronze sculptures of Britain’s Lynn Chadwick, and the surrealist paintings of Chilean Roberto Matta.

Early Californian Impressionist art is well represented here by the landscapes of Charles A. Fries. This gallery also specializes in ancient pre-Columbian art, Oceanic and African ethnographic art, porcelain, and sculptures. A gallery across the street carries rare books and prints.

This fine arts gallery specializes in San Diego artists. Exhibitions feature paintings, drawings, photography, sculptures, and custom furniture from artists such as Mario Uribe, Gail Roberts, Paul Henry, and Johnny Coleman. The glowing, spiritual landscapes of Nancy Kittredge merit special notice.

The oldest gallery in the Gaslamp Quarter features works of emerging US and international contemporary artists. Notice the surrealist acrylics of Filia, the urban landscapes of Luigi Rocca, and the mixed media paintings of Josue Castro, who is inspired by the magic and colors of the Zapotecan culture of Oaxaca.

This gallery showcases the etchings and lithographs of masters such as Rembrandt, Chagall, and Picasso. Also featured are the brilliant serigraphs of Jiang, one of the founders of the Hunan school of painting, and works by La Jolla’s own Theodore Geisel (see Theodore Geisel (1904–91)). Other artists represented are Peter Max, Joanna Zjawinska, Mackenzie Thorpe, and V. Montesinos.

In a Spanish village-like atmosphere (see Spanish Village Art Center), adobe houses from the 1935–36 California-Pacific Exposition have been transformed into delightful artists’ studios, where you can shop or even take a lesson from the artists.