Hours, Tickets + Parking

Open Days + Hours

Normal Hours: We’re open 6 days a week, Monday + Wednesday-Sunday (closed on Tuesdays) from 9am-4pm.

Winter Hours update: We will be open on Tuesday, December 17 and 31, 2024.

For more information, visit our General Museum FAQ page and Membership FAQ page.

Visitors have access to art installations on all three levels of the Museum and experiences in the Museum Park.

View Museum Map

Tickets

Advance reservations or tickets are not required.

Tickets can be purchased as a walk-up or online for any day we are open.

Online ticket holders must check in at the Welcome Desk. The purchaser of the online tickets does not need to be present at check in. Online tickets do not guarantee entry during high attendance days.

BUY TICKETS

To redeem guest passes or discounted tickets, please see the “Guest Passes + Discounts” section below. Gift cards are not available.

Guest Passes + Discounts

Guest passes through a membership or other programs can be redeemed at the Welcome Desk.

Discounts are provided through Museums For All ($2 per person with EBT, SNAP or WIC card), the ACM Reciprocity Program (50% off admission), to educators, seniors (65+), active duty military personnel and veterans. Please provide proof for discounted admission.

Parking

Limited parking is available in the Museum garage for $20/car (NCM Members + EBT/WIC/SNAP $10). Garage opens 15 minutes before we open (8:45am) and 15 minutes after we close (4:15pm). Please see Plaza parking attendant before entering garage.

There are public parking lots and parking meters nearby. ABM Parking at 450 2nd Avenue offers a 2-hour discount with code 8792 (not valid during Padres games and other times at ABM’s discretion).

Public Transportation

We are located at 200 W. Island Avenue, in between Front and Union. Public transportation is available on the MTS Trolley Green Line and on the MTS Bus.

Starting May 1, children under 18 are eligible to ride MTS and NCTD services for free. Learn more about the Youth Opportunity Pass here. 

Closest MTS Bus Stops:
1st Ave. + Broadway (Routes 2, 7, 11, 30, 50, 110, 150, 215, 235, 280, 290, 901)
4th Ave. + G St. (Route 3)
1st Ave. + G St. (Routes 11)

Safer Play Policy

For the health and safety of our visitors and staff, we kindly ask that you adhere to our Safer Play health and safety guidelines. We kindly ask that you refrain from visiting if you or anyone in your group is feeling unwell. Our team is committed to maintaining clean and sanitized spaces throughout the Museum. Let’s work together to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all!

Please read our Safer Play Policy and general rules/code of conduct before visiting the Museum.

We believe in the liberation, safety, and support of systemically marginalized groups and identities. As we advance our mission, we are always working toward being a radically inclusive space for all families, all races, all ethnicities, all identities, all abilities, and the most resilient within our communities. 

We continue to grow and learn as an organization. We ask that you help us uphold this safe space in the ways you acknowledge and engage with other guests, staff, and friends of the Museum. 

Together, we hold ourselves and others accountable and reserve the right to revoke admission or membership to the Museum. Thank you for joining us in creating a future for our children and communities where all can belong.