In the heart of San Diego's Balboa Park, the Museum of Us invites visitors to explore the stories, cultures and experiences that connect people across time and place. Housed in the historic California Building, the museum sits on the unceded ancestral homeland of the Kumeyaay Nation, whose peoples have lived in and maintained connections to this region for millennia. From the ornate architecture of the building to the thought-provoking exhibits inside, a visit offers an opportunity to look at history through multiple perspectives and consider what it means to be human.
The museum's approach goes beyond simply displaying objects behind glass. Exhibits encourage visitors to question assumptions, reflect on personal experiences and engage with stories that connect the universal to the particular. Through interactive installations, art, photography, historical resources and community voices, visitors encounter complex conversations about identity, race, culture and the ways societies have shaped the world around us.
A highlight for visitors interested in the region's Indigenous history and living cultures is Kumeyaay: Native Californians/Iipai-Tipai. The exhibit explores traditional and contemporary Kumeyaay lifeways, including pottery and basket making, food procurement, dress and adornment, traditional medicine, games and ceremonies. A Kumeyaay Cosmology Dome adds another dimension to the experience, inviting visitors to consider the night sky through Kumeyaay knowledge of constellations, astronomy and the calendar.
For a different perspective on San Diego, climb above the park on a guided California Tower Tour. From the historic tower, visitors can take in panoramic views of Balboa Park and the surrounding city while learning more about the building's history and the complex colonial legacy represented in its architecture.
Located among the gardens, museums and cultural attractions of Balboa Park, the Museum of Us is an ideal stop for travelers who want more than a traditional museum visit. Come ready to look closely, ask questions and make connections between the stories on display and the world around you.
Exhibits & Experiences
Kumeyaay Cosmology Dome – Learn about Kumeyaay knowledge of the night sky, constellations and cosmology.
Race: Power, Resistance & Change – A bilingual exhibition examining how race has shaped laws, institutions and daily life in San Diego and the broader multinational region.
25 Years of The Hapa Project – Explore photographic portraits and stories about mixed ethnicity and identity.
Maya Peoples: Heart of Sky, Heart of Earth – Explore Maya continuity, languages, ceremonies and connections to the land.
California Tower Tour – Take a guided tour of the historic tower for panoramic views and additional insight into its history.
Amenities
Museum gift shop
Educational programs and exhibit tours
Group visits and school programs
Paid parking options available throughout Balboa Park
Membership opportunities included with admission for eligible visitors
California Tower tours available for an additional fee
Nearby Balboa Park museums, gardens and cultural attractions
Visitor Information
Hours: Open daily, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., except select closure dates.
Admission: Adults 18+ are $19.95. Seniors 62+, military members, teachers, students and youth ages 6–17 are $16.95 with applicable identification. California Tower Tours are an additional $10.
Age Requirement: All ages are welcome. Some exhibits contain content related to racism, colonialism, oppression and genocide that may be difficult or disturbing for some visitors.
Reservations: California Tower Tours and group tours should be reserved in advance. Group exhibit tours require reservations.
Accessibility: The museum provides accessible visitor facilities and exhibit access.
