MCASD Unveils a Vibrant Spring 2025 Exhibition Lineup

The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) 2025 Spring Programming is set to highlight the vibrancy and evolution of contemporary painting, featuring two standout exhibitions that delve into the power of artistic expression.

This season pays tribute to an influential San Diego art collector while also introducing a monumental series by a globally renowned artist.

An Artful Life: A Tribute to Matthew C. Strauss

March 20 to August 3, 2025 | Strauss Galleries, MCASD La Jolla

Celebrating the lasting legacy of Matthew C. Strauss (1933–2024), this exhibition offers a glimpse into the extraordinary collection built by Strauss and his wife, Iris.

Over 35 years, they amassed more than 300 works from some of the world’s most celebrated artists, shaping one of the most important contemporary art collections.

Featuring 22 significant works by Jennifer Bartlett, Cecily Brown, Damien Hirst, Takashi Murakami, Robert Rauschenberg, and more, the exhibition explores major developments in painting from the 1970s to today.

Held in the Strauss Galleries, named in their honor, the show reflects the couple’s dedication to the arts and their lasting impact on the San Diego art scene.

Yan Pei-Ming: A Burial in Shanghai

April 17, 2025 – January 4, 2026 | Iris and Matthew Strauss West Gallery, MCASD La Jolla

Making its U.S. debut, this large-scale triptych by Chinese-born, France-based artist Yan Pei-Ming draws inspiration from Gustave Courbet’s iconic A Burial at Ornans. The work offers a deeply personal meditation on family, history, and mortality through expressive monochromatic brushstrokes.

See you there!

Experience the power of contemporary painting and its ability to shape conversations on culture, identity, and legacy. Visit MCASD 2025 Spring Programming at MCASD La Jolla to explore these groundbreaking exhibitions.

More info can be found here.

See you there, San Diego!