Must-See Exhibitions at the San Diego Museum of Art

We have a love affair with the San Diego Museum of Art, and we want all of San Diego to feel the same way!

The original inspiration for a permanent public art gallery in San Diego can be traced to the Panama-California International Exposition, held in Balboa Park from 1915 to 1916, and has evolved over the years to fulfill its mission to inspire, educate, and cultivate curiosity through great works of art.

But unless you’re paying attention, you may not realize that the San Diego Museum of Art has a constant flow of new art and activities that you don’t want to miss! So we figured we’d help out a bit by keeping you up-to-date on the latest happenings.

International Museum Day on May 18 shines a light on how museums connect cultures, enrich communities, and foster understanding and peace. At SDMA, this spirit of global exchange isn’t confined to a single day—it’s celebrated all year long through captivating permanent and traveling exhibitions that bring the world’s art to our city’s doorstep.

THE NETHERLANDS: Dreamlike Landscapes and Dutch Traditions

Step into a surreal world with Ruud van Empel: Theatre, where hyperreal images crafted from thousands of photo fragments challenge our perceptions of truth and artifice.

Just steps away, immerse yourself in the Golden Age of Dutch painting with 17th-Century Dutch Masterpieces. These exquisite works reveal glimpses of daily life, trade, and the artistic spirit of the Dutch Republic.

📅 Ruud van Empel: Theatre – On view through July 27, 2025 | 17th-Century Dutch Masterpieces – On view through March 21, 2027

MEXICO: Art as Resistance

For the People: Modern Printmaking in Mexico highlights the powerful role of art in political engagement. Featuring works from the Taller de Gráfica Popular, this exhibition showcases how Mexican artists used printmaking as a tool for social justice and cultural identity.

📅 On view through August 10, 2025

FRANCE: The Spirit of Impressionism

Impressionism Across the Atlantic brings together masterpieces by Claude Monet, Pierre Bonnard, and more. This exhibition explores how Impressionism transcended borders, influencing artists across Europe and the US.

📅 June 7, 2025–April 5, 2026

SPAIN: Eduardo Chillida’s Monumental Sculptures

This August, discover the innovative world of Basque sculptor Eduardo Chillida in Eduardo Chillida: Convergence. Chillida’s striking work challenges viewers to rethink space, material, and human connection.

📅 August 2, 2025–February 8, 2026

JAPAN: Bridging Cultures

Through Emulation and Admiration: Two Stories of Collecting European Art, SDMA brings a selection of European masterpieces to Tokyo and Kyoto, sharing our city’s treasures with the world.

📅 March 11–October 13, 2025

Always Something New to Discover

Also, be sure to check out New on View: Memories of an American Past—a fresh curation of works that explore the complex relationship between memory and American history.

Whether you’re exploring hyperreal Dutch landscapes, stirring Mexican prints, or monumental Spanish sculpture, there’s always something new to see and experience at SDMA.

See you there!

These exhibitions offer a deep dive into the power of art to capture and critique the world around us. Don’t miss out on these opportunities to fall in love (all over again) with the San Diego Museum of Art.

📍1450 El Prado, Balboa Park
ℹ️More info here
📱Social media: Instagram, X, Twitter

See you there, San Diego!