Museum sights in San Diego Area
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A
Natural History Museum
Dinosaur skeletons, an impressive rattlesnake collection, an earthquake exhibit and nature-themed movies in a giant-screen cinema.
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Museum of Photographic Arts
Exhibits fine-art photography and hosts an ongoing film series.
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Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego - Downtown
As of January 2007, Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego - Downtown completed work on its ambitious expansion, with renovation of the existing building - which used to be the train station's baggage building, plus a three-story contemporary art space, which adds a modern counterpoint to the museum's Mission-style architecture. MCASD is the downtown branch of the La Jolla-based institution that has brought groundbreaking art to San Diegans since the 1960s.
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Centro Cultural De La Raza
Devoted primarily to Mexican and Native American art, the Centro Cultural De La Raza, sits on the fringe of the main museum area (easiest access is via Park Blvd). The round, steel building is actually a converted water tank decked out by Chicano muralists. Inside, exhibits can run the gamut from contemporary Chicano and indigenous artwork to photographs documenting San Francisco's first gay marriage ceremonies in 2004.
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USS Midway Museum
Step aboard the navy's longest-serving aircraft carrier (1945–91) to take a self-guided audio tour that takes in berthing spaces, galley, sick bay and, of course, the flight deck with its restored aircraft, including an F-14 Tomcat. Parking costs $5 to $7.
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World Beat Cultural Center
Housed in a converted water tank, the nonprofit World Beat Cultural Center presents performances and exhibits on the African and indigenous cultures of the world, but perhaps the most fun for visitors is dropping in on one of their classes (free to around US$15), from West African drumming for children to capoeira and qi gong.
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San Diego Air & Space Museum
Highlights include an original Blackbird SR-71 spy plane and a replica of Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St Louis, as well as simulators that require an extra charge.
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H
Museum of Man
The scenic park approach from the west across Cabrillo Bridge drops you at Plaza de California, dominated by the flamboyant California Building. Inside, the Museum of Man exhibits world-class pottery, jewelry, baskets and other artifacts.
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Museum of San Diego History
The previously blah-ish Museum of San Diego History has sexed itself up a bit, most notably with a cool interactive walk-on map of San Diego. The city's history is also displayed through thousands of historical costumes.
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San Diego Automotive Museum
Buildings around Pan-American Plaza in the park's southern section date from the 1935 Pacific-California Exposition. It's all about polished chrome and cool tailfins at this museum.
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San Diego Museum of Art
Gets accolades for its European old masters and good collections of American and Asian art.
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Reuben H Fleet Science Center
Family-oriented hands-on museum-cum-Imax theater in Plaza de Balboa.
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Timken Museum of Art
Small but exquisite, the museum showcases European and American heavyweights, from Rembrandt to Cézanne and John Singleton Copley.
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Maritime Museum
The 1863 Star of India is one of seven historic sailing vessels open to the public at the Maritime Museum. Don't miss the B-39 Soviet attack submarine. Metered parking and $10 day lots are nearby.
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Museum of Contemporary Art
Emphasizes minimalist and pop art, as well as conceptual works and cross-border art. The 1100 Kettner Bldg is at the historic Santa Fe Depot. Another branch is in La Jolla; one ticket admits you to all venues.
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San Diego Model Railroad Museum
One of the largest of its kind, with brilliantly 'landscaped' train sets.
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Mingei International Museum
Exhibits folk art from around the globe; don't miss the lovely museum store here.
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Museum of Contemporary Art
Sister venue of the downtown branch (same ticket for both locations).
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Junípero Serra Museum
On the site of the original mission in Old Town stands this handsome museum, which highlights life during the city's rough-and-tumble early period.
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California Building & Museum of Man
The flamboyant California Building houses the Museum of Man, exhibiting world-class pottery, jewelry, baskets and other artifacts. Behind the museum are the Old Globe Theaters, an historic three-stage venue hosting an annual Shakespeare Festival.
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