You may enter after sunset (By Frank Sabatini Jr.)
Museums, Balboa Park

Museums After Dark

By Frank Sabatini Jr.

The mid-summer season is lending itself to extra doses of wonderment and knowledge at some of San Diego’s prominent museums in Balboa Park. Their extended hours will remain in place through September.

The Natural History Museum, for instance, is staying open until 10 p.m. every Friday from now until Sept. 4. Evening visitors will have access to all museum exhibits and they can partake in beer, wine, cocktails and killer views on the rooftop deck. Even better, admission drops to half price after 5:00p.

At the Mingei International Museum visitors can browse its notable collection of objects and folk art from around the world until 8:00p on Thursdays and Fridays until Labor Day. In addition, the newish restaurant and bar called Artifact, operated by restaurateur Tracy Borkum of the Urban Kitchen Group, will also stay open until 8. The restaurant was recently added to the prestigious California Michelin Guide.

A stone’s throw away at The Fleet Science Center, live planetarium shows conducted by astronomers are being held at 7:00 and 8:15p on the first Wednesday of every month through September. The center’s interactive exhibit galleries will also stay open until 8:15 on those nights.