Welcome to  Artopia: NCM Creative Studios! Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned maker, our welcoming studios have something for everyone—including Holiday Art-Making each weekend, Girl Scout Badge programs, Youth Ceramics, Art Afterschool programs, and more! Keep reading for everything you need to know before you stop by and start creating!

General Information

Where is Artopia: NCM Creative Studios?

Artopia: NCM Creative Studios is located on the second floor of The New Children’s Museum at 200 W. Island Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101. 

The entrance to Artopia is located on the Union Street side of the Museum, near the corner of Union Street and Island Avenue. 

When are the Holiday Art-Making Sessions?

Holday art-making is offered on December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 & 28 and January 3 & 4, available two times per day: 9:30am-12pm & 1pm-3:30pm.

Activities are first-come, first-served drop-ins as capacity allows. Line queues 20 minutes before the session. Sign up at the blue Artopia door near Whammock on the third floor.

All children must be accompanied by an adult. Stroller parking is available on the Main Level. No food or drink is permitted in Artopia.

Parking + Transportation

Where can I park?

Limited parking is available in the Museum garage for $20/car (NCM Members + EBT/WIC/SNAP $10/car). Please see attendant for parking ticket and pay inside the Museum. There are public parking lots and parking meters nearby. ABM Parking at 450 2nd Ave. offers a 2-hour discount with code 8792 (not valid during Padres games and other times at ABM’s discretion).

What are the parking garage hours?

The parking garage opens 15 minutes before we open (8:45am) and 15 minutes after we close (4:15pm). You will NOT have access to your vehicle after 4:15pm.

Art Afterschool + Youth Ceramics Specific

Who is allowed to pick up my child?

All participants must be signed in and out at each session. Children must be picked up by an adult designated at registration, and families should confirm their authorized pick-up list at drop-off.

If you need to add additional authorized adults, please submit their full name in advance to artopia@thinkplaycreate.org or speak with staff at drop-off. Artists will not be released to anyone not on the authorized list or without valid identification.

Ticketing / Admission

Do you offer any discounts?

Discounted tickets are available for:

  • EBT/WIC/SNAP card holders (from any state) through our Museums for All program ($3/person, up to four people in the party). Museums for All tickets must be purchased in person with EBT/WIC/SNAP card in hand. Visit our Access Programs page for information.
  • Seniors (65+), Military w/ID, and Educators ($20/person). Discounted tickets must be purchased in person.
  • Groups of 10 or more receive a 10% discount. Learn more here.

Art Afterschool Programs: How do these programs work, and who are they designed for?

Art Afterschool and Youth Ceramics: At the Wheel are four-week series that require advance registration. Each registration includes one spot and programs are offered in small group settings with limited seating.

These Afterschool series are designed for:

  • Ages 8–10 (Grades 3–5): Mondays, 4–6pm
  • Ages 11–13 (Grades 6–8): Wednesdays, 4–6pm

Programs meet once a week for four consecutive weeks and are structured to support focused learning, creativity, and connection in the studio.

Food + Drink

Is food and Drink allowed in Artopia?

Food and beverages are generally not permitted in Artopia, except for water. Drinking water is available, so please be sure to bring your own water bottle. 

If you are feeling hungry, head down to Bean Sprouts Café on the main level of the Museum to enjoy your snacks or purchase a meal!

Accessibility

Are service animals permitted?

People with service dogs will be allowed full access to all areas. Service dogs must be on a leash and in the control of the person with a disability or their companion. Pets and Emotional Support Animals are not allowed.

Other

Is the Museum a 501(c)3?

Yes! The Museum’s Tax ID is 95-3619583. Earned revenue covers a portion of the Museum’s operating costs and generous donations make our high-quality exhibits and programs possible. Click here to learn how you can support the Museum.