Whether you are an exploring tourist or a curious local, we put all the important information you need in one place to make your visit great!
We are currently under construction while we install a new roof over the Atrium and green our building (learn more). Our theater and some floors/galleries are closed, but will be reopening on a staggered basis.
We are tentatively planning to reopen our fig tree entrance, Atrium, theater, and most of Fossil Mysteries on Friday, November 21. And we will likely be CLOSED on Thursday, November 20 to get everything visitor-ready. As always, check the website before heading down, just in case things change.
Here’s everything you need to know about a visit to The Nat during construction.
These exhibits will remain open (primarily Levels 1, 2, and the Lower Level):
We sure are! Admission is half-price during the heavy construction period (mid-September through early November). In October, kids visit free when you present a downloadable coupon as part of Kids Free San Diego. So it’s an even better value!
Yes! Both Gold Leaf and The Craft Taco will remain open. They’ll be in a temporary space on Level 1 just inside the west entrance. The cafe and store are open to both Museum visitors and non-visitors. In other words, if you want to make a purchase or grab lunch but not explore the rest of the Museum, you can do so without paying admission—just come through our west entrance off Village Place.
Please enter through the south museum entrance, located just off the Prado Walkway near the fountain. An accessible entrance will be available on the west side of the Museum off Village Place. Our north entrance will be completely closed (these are the doors with the Welcome Weasel, near the giant fig tree). Click here for a handy visual (see Entrances).
Once inside the Museum, your path from one exhibition to another may be unusual since the walkways around the Atrium will be closed, but the good news is that you’ll feel like a Nat staffer as you navigate back hallways! Plus, we’ll have plenty of signs and staff to help guide you.
All parking lots are open, but the lot directly east of the Museum along Park Blvd. has limited capacity due to constrcution staging. Keep in mind we’re just a few steps away from a bus stop, so public transit is a great option, as is ride sharing.
We are open 10 AM–5 PM daily and closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Buy tickets here. We are also open late on select Fridays. Before your visit, be sure to check our website for any last-minute closures or updates!
Here is parking information, directions to the Museum, and options for public transit—there's a bus stop practically at our doorstep! Learn more.
All films are included with paid admission. See what's currently showing. Please note: the theater will be closed during our rooftop construction, approximately September 15 through mid-November.
Cost should not be a barrier to enjoying the Museum. That’s why The Nat offers many free admission programs, including Museums for All, Resident Free Days, and more. Learn more.