The Mingei International Museum (Courtesy photo)
Museums, Balboa Park

Free Museum Days Are Back

By Frank Sabatini Jr.

We had almost forgotten that admission into some of our favorite museums in Balboa Park was free on certain Tuesdays before the pandemic. The steal-of-a-deal, which pertains only to San Diego residents, has resumed.

There’s also a Thursday perk once a month, which is free entry into the 25,000-square-foot Comic-Con Museum that opened in the park last year. That particular freebie date this month is May 19.

The museums rotate with their free-admission schedules. For instance, on the first Tuesday of each month, there is no cost to enter the San Diego History Museum or the Fleet Science Center. Or if you’re a fan of the Mingei International Museum or the Japanese Friendship Garden, your free pass is on the third Tuesday of the month. You need only present your photo ID showing your address.