A Century of Art in Balboa Park

San Diego Museum of Art Turns 100 With Yearlong Bash

Balboa Park's crown jewel is hitting a major milestone, and San Diegans have plenty of reasons to celebrate.

The San Diego Museum of Art officially turns 100 in 2026, marking a century since it first opened as the Fine Arts Gallery of San Diego on February 28, 1926. What started as a community dream following the wildly popular 1915 Panama-California International Exposition has grown into the region's oldest and largest art museum, housing over 32,000 works spanning 5,000 years of human creativity.

The centennial festivities kicked off January 24 with an exhibition diving into the museum's rich history through archived photos and community-submitted memories. Local artists are also getting their moment to shine with an exhibit reimagining the museum's iconic Spanish Colonial Revival façade.

Mark your calendars for February 28—the big birthday bash features free admission all day, unlimited cake, live music, and even a special Centennial Beer crafted by Panama 66 and Burgeon Beer Co. The On the Steps Celebration promises performances, art-making activities, and plenty of community vibes.

Looking ahead, the museum has ambitious plans including a dramatic west wing expansion designed by world-renowned architect Sir Norman Foster. The project aims to double gallery space and restore long-lost features like a reflecting pond in the Plaza de Panama.

Throughout 2026, visitors can catch special exhibitions including a showcase of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec's spectacular café and cabaret artwork. San Diego Ballet is also partnering with the museum for special programming.

For those of us lucky enough to call San Diego home, this centennial reminds us that world-class art has been part of our city's fabric for generations. Here's to 100 more years.

Sources: San Diego Museum of Art | Times of San Diego | San Diego Union-Tribune | FOX 5 San Diego | Chula Vista Today