No matter where your interests may lie, you’re likely to find a museum nearby to suit your needs.
With more than 90 museums in the county, San Diego offers a wide scope of museums that entertain and educate visitors about the fine arts, botanical gardens, children’s interests, history, sciences, animals and more.
Today, we recognize the influential role of museums worldwide on International Museum Day (IMD) as more than 36,000 museums in over 150 countries unite to increase public awareness of the role of museums in the development of society. Established in 1977 by the International Council of Museums, IMD has been steadily gaining momentum for more than 40 years.
[Tweet “San Diego County offers 90+ museums to entertain and educate visitors #IMD2018”]
Locally, IMD coincides with the culmination of the San Diego Museum Council “The Big Exchange”, which gives members of participating organizations reciprocal admission at more than 30 museums throughout the county. During “The Big Exchange”, anyone who is a member at one of the participating institutions can enjoy full reciprocal free admission to the others.
Participating museums include Birch Aquarium at Scripps, San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum, San Diego Natural History Museum, Mingei International Museum, Oceanside Museum of Art and more.
If you’re not a member of the participating museums, consider celebrating IMD by:
For years, San Diegans have supported their favorite museums to maintain the value and cultural history local museums share with our communities.
A group of museums partner with The San Diego Foundation to invest in their long-term sustainability through endowment funds. By establishing endowments, museums build enduring assets over time and a stable revenue stream to support the valuable programs they offer to our community, in perpetuity.
Please consider giving to museums with endowment funds that are making a lasting impact in the region:
On August 9, 2022, we awarded $838,704 in Opening the Outdoors grants to 24 nonprofit organizations that offer equitable access to outdoor spaces in San Diego County.
“San Diego Foundation is proud to once again support its partners committed to increasing community-driven efforts to enhance accessible outdoor space, encourage youth to learn more through hands-on education and create the next generation of environmental stewards in the San Diego region,” said Christiana DeBenedict, SDF Director of Environment Initiatives.
This year’s grantees will help address these inequities and enhance access to the outdoors throughout San Diego County.
"*" indicates required fields
The Advisor monthly e-newsletter provides philanthropy news and trends and financial planning strategies for advisors and their clients.
"*" indicates required fields
"*" indicates required fields
Receive quarterly email updates about our Children and Families programs and initiatives and opportunities for you to support stronger families in our region.
"*" indicates required fields
Receive quarterly email updates about our Education programs and initiatives and opportunities for you to support enhanced learning experiences and increased access to college for San Diego students.
"*" indicates required fields
Receive quarterly email updates about our Environment and Climate programs and initiatives and opportunities for you to support equitable outdoor access and climate change resiliency.
"*" indicates required fields
Receive quarterly email updates about our Racial and Social Justice programs and initiatives and opportunities for you to learn about creating equitable opportunities for all and how to support our multicultural region and its diverse population.
"*" indicates required fields
This helpful resource provides you with information about corporate philanthropy and custom corporate giving solutions for your business.
"*" indicates required fields
This helpful resource will show you how you can leave a legacy to your family, your charity or your community that complements your will and trust(s).
"*" indicates required fields