Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
4
11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) invites all audiences to experience our world, our region, and ourselves through the prism of contemporary art. We are excited to welcome you back to MCASD’s Flagship location in La Jolla. Discover the new collection galleries and the special exhibitions. Explore the museum's art park, sculpture garden and seaside terraces. While at MCASD, visit The Kitchen, a full-service café offering breakfast and lunch Wednesday through Sunday from 8:30 AM to 4 PM. With seating for 80 guests exclusively outdoors, the 2,420 square foot courtyard, Gartner Court, is set against the backdrop of a historic former residence designed by 20th-century architect Irving J. Gill. Comfortable and charming, yet contemporary, best describe the appeal of The Kitchen’s garden café. See the menu: MCASD.org/thekitchen
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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MzKittyG
Sun City, AZ588 contributions
Sept 2022 • Friends
We had just visited La Jolla Cove and this is literally across the street. You do need to drive around the block to enter the front of the building but are that close.
There is street parking that was free.
We happened to go on a free day.
There was a good amount of art and several different mediums. Well worth the cost if we had paid to get in.
I will say I am not a fan of contemporary art but appreciate the time and talent of each of the exhibits.
However the cutouts of the glass wall I just cannot call that art.
There is street parking that was free.
We happened to go on a free day.
There was a good amount of art and several different mediums. Well worth the cost if we had paid to get in.
I will say I am not a fan of contemporary art but appreciate the time and talent of each of the exhibits.
However the cutouts of the glass wall I just cannot call that art.
Written 29 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AdamInDC2
Washington, DC19 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
The Museum of Contemporary Art has a terrific permanent collection that includes many great examples by top artists, as well as intriguing special exhibitions. The building itself is very impressive and enhances the experience. There is a very nice cafe and a cool gift shop. Definitely worth a visit when you are in La Jolla.
Written 8 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janet L
San Diego, CA54 contributions
Oct 2024 • Business
Don't miss this museum! Host of the San Diego Spirits Festival, this place has it all! Cool art, gorgeous panaramic ocean views, interesting architecture, friendly staff, and fun and games at every event. It's not your stuffy art museum of old, it's chic and breezy and will you make you feel sophisticated by experiencing its splendor.
Written 8 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matthew C
1 contribution
Jun 2023 • Family
Beautiful ocean view, cool artwork and exhibits. However, as other reviewers have noted, horribly bad security staff to ruin your experience.
We recently had our wedding reception here and it was unfortunately staffed by the worst security team I’ve ever seen in any situation, let alone for a museum/event space.
One of them began the reception by yelling at us (the bride and groom) in front of all our guests for taking pictures outside. Infuriating, but we tried to let it go.
Meanwhile they let one of our guest’s toddlers walk past them and get into an elevator by herself before her mother rushed to stop the doors from closing.
Also, while not a huge deal, they should really implement a dress code. While some of the staff were dressed in uniforms, others were wearing very casual street clothes (jean jacket, tshirt, gold chains, sneakers). I’m all for people being comfortable but clearly not appropriate for the setting.
Finally, when it was time to leave the reception, another security staff member was loudly telling people they needed to get out because they were closing. Much like a bouncer would do at a dive bar. This was a nice wedding and they were talking to our elderly parents, aunts and uncles. Completely inappropriate and a little shocking.
All of the time, effort, and money spent on our event and it was largely soured by aggressive and poorly trained staff. We obviously expected a lot more from this type of venue. A real shame because it could have been great
We recently had our wedding reception here and it was unfortunately staffed by the worst security team I’ve ever seen in any situation, let alone for a museum/event space.
One of them began the reception by yelling at us (the bride and groom) in front of all our guests for taking pictures outside. Infuriating, but we tried to let it go.
Meanwhile they let one of our guest’s toddlers walk past them and get into an elevator by herself before her mother rushed to stop the doors from closing.
Also, while not a huge deal, they should really implement a dress code. While some of the staff were dressed in uniforms, others were wearing very casual street clothes (jean jacket, tshirt, gold chains, sneakers). I’m all for people being comfortable but clearly not appropriate for the setting.
Finally, when it was time to leave the reception, another security staff member was loudly telling people they needed to get out because they were closing. Much like a bouncer would do at a dive bar. This was a nice wedding and they were talking to our elderly parents, aunts and uncles. Completely inappropriate and a little shocking.
All of the time, effort, and money spent on our event and it was largely soured by aggressive and poorly trained staff. We obviously expected a lot more from this type of venue. A real shame because it could have been great
Written 5 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Matt,
It’s heartbreaking to hear that we did not meet your expectations during your special day.
We thank you for taking the time to craft this important feedback. It points to our staff needing more training and support, and we hope your comments can help us reshape our visitor experience.
No one should be made feel disrespected at our space. We deeply apologize for this treatment of you and your friends and family.
Written 23 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
charles b
2 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
The Museum of Contemporary Art in La Jolla is a true gem! The recently completed renovation takes full advantage of its spectacular location above Coast Blvd (entrance on Prospect) and La Jolla Cove enhancing the permanent and rotating collections on display. A must visit for locals and visitors alike!
Written 21 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Oulisse
Potsdam, Germany922 contributions
Nov 2024 • Solo
The works shown here appear unlovingly lined up and do not carry the visitor away. Rarely has Oulisse left a visit to a museum so depressed. Which directors and curators have equipped this appealing building so futilely? What a contrast to the nearby Tasende Gallery with few but wonderful works!
Automatically translated
Written 8 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
An0nyMs
Tucson, AZ1,602 contributions
Jul 2022 • Solo
This is an outstanding contemporary art museum in a stunning location overlooking the Pacific coast a couple of blocks away. It's also large -- somewhere around the size of the San Diego Museum of Art, I'd guess. It reopened a few months ago after a $100 million renovation.
For the opening, several galleries have art based on a particular theme. A small part of the museum's collection of 5,600 works is on display. Several of the security staff were friendly and fun to talk with. One told me that works from the permanent collection would be changed once per year. If that's true, it seems a disincentive for people to become members... though temporary exhibitions like the huge retrospective of Niki de Saint Phalle is an indication, they'll be plenty else to see during the year. (She's an edgy and humorous artist popular in the 1960s.)
Parking can be really difficult because the museum sits between a big shopping area and the very crowded coastal drive. On a Saturday afternoon, I found a parking space about 10 minutes' walk away.' When I got to the museum, I was surprised to see street parking available. There's also valet parking, which I'd recommend if you don't have time to hunt for a spot... although I don't know how quickly it fills up at busy times. You might also try parking some distance away and taking Uber or Lyft.
Even if you're not sure you like contemporary art, this place is worth a visit for the location and the views to the ocean alone -- though I bet you'll find some art you like in this large building. And especially if you love contemporary art, whatever you do to get there, you really should see this museum!
For the opening, several galleries have art based on a particular theme. A small part of the museum's collection of 5,600 works is on display. Several of the security staff were friendly and fun to talk with. One told me that works from the permanent collection would be changed once per year. If that's true, it seems a disincentive for people to become members... though temporary exhibitions like the huge retrospective of Niki de Saint Phalle is an indication, they'll be plenty else to see during the year. (She's an edgy and humorous artist popular in the 1960s.)
Parking can be really difficult because the museum sits between a big shopping area and the very crowded coastal drive. On a Saturday afternoon, I found a parking space about 10 minutes' walk away.' When I got to the museum, I was surprised to see street parking available. There's also valet parking, which I'd recommend if you don't have time to hunt for a spot... although I don't know how quickly it fills up at busy times. You might also try parking some distance away and taking Uber or Lyft.
Even if you're not sure you like contemporary art, this place is worth a visit for the location and the views to the ocean alone -- though I bet you'll find some art you like in this large building. And especially if you love contemporary art, whatever you do to get there, you really should see this museum!
Written 3 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maria
2 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
We had brunch / lunch and everyone loved their food. If you eat there you can also explore the museum. Wonderful view of the ocean from the inside dining room. They have outside dining As well.
Written 26 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mattison
Tucson, AZ492 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
This is an excellent way to spend part of the day while visiting La Jolla. The layout is excellent. You're able to really see the art up close.
Written 30 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Irvinggetthecar
San Diego, CA407 contributions
Jul 2024 • Friends
I was shocked at the dismal appearance of the work. Dull, grey, bleak, boring and lacking vibrance. I have been to the Fredrick Weisman collection, the Norton Simon and Museum of Modern Art.
All filled with joy, vibrance, color, intrigue and relevance.
Now, it may be true that some of the most renowned artists of the last century have inspired the collection but absolutely nothing left me moved except one piece in the Caribbean show. Even the little bistro was a disappointment. I would never eat there again.
The views were outstanding.
All filled with joy, vibrance, color, intrigue and relevance.
Now, it may be true that some of the most renowned artists of the last century have inspired the collection but absolutely nothing left me moved except one piece in the Caribbean show. Even the little bistro was a disappointment. I would never eat there again.
The views were outstanding.
Written 20 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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