Must-See Exhibitions at the San Diego Museum of Art: July 2024
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 during 1915–1916, and has evolved over the years to fulfill its mission to inspire, educate, and cultivate curiosity through great works of art.
But unless you are 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.
For July, immerse yourself in a world of captivating photography and provocative political art. Here’s what’s hot and upcoming:
Garry Winogrand: Man of the Crowd
If you love photography, you can’t miss “Garry Winogrand: Man of the Crowd.” Open now through January 12, 2025, this exhibition showcases the dynamic and often chaotic energy of the 1960s and 1970s through Winogrand’s lens.

Known for his wide-angle views and unique perspectives, Winogrand’s work captures the spirit of the times, bringing to life the bustling streets of Manhattan and the vibrant scenes of Texas football games.
Curated by Kara Felt, Ph.D., this is her inaugural show as the Lawrence S. Friedman Curator of Photographic Arts.
William Gropper: American Agitator
Mark your calendars for July 27, 2024, when “William Gropper: American Agitator” opens its doors. Running through January 26, 2025, this exhibition delves into the sharp, satirical world of William Gropper.
Born into a family of hardworking immigrants, Gropper’s art reflects his lifelong commitment to social justice. His political cartoons and paintings fiercely critique American political life, making this exhibition a must-see for anyone interested in art as a form of activism.

Coming Soon: Wonders of Creation
‘Wonders of Creation’ is coming soon, and will be on view from September 7, 2024, through January 5, 2025.
This trailblazing exhibition, organized by Ladan Akbarnia, Ph.D., Curator of South Asian and Islamic Art at The San Diego Museum of Art, showcases over 200 extraordinary works of art and objects from the eighth century to today.
Using wonder as the vehicle to introduce and explore Islamic culture, ‘Wonders of Creation’ illuminates the global impact of science and artistic production from the Islamic world while introducing new audiences to its diverse geographies and multifaceted visual cultures.

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!
SDMA is located at 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego. For more info, visit the website here and follow them on social media: Instagram, X, Twitter.
See you there, San Diego!