Museum of Us
Explore humanity's past, present, and future through eclectic anthropology exhibits in a stunning 1915 building.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit
Museum of Us
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore humanity's past, present, and future through eclectic anthropology exhibits in a stunning 1915 building.
"Fascinating exhibits with something for everyone, from beer to Mayans to border crossing!"
🎯 EBT Card Holders: Free Entry!
Enjoy free admission with your EBT card. A great way to save on your visit!
🎟️ Combo Ticket Potential
Consider if a combo pass for multiple Balboa Park museums is available to save money.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cannibalism: Myth vs. Reality
An intriguing exhibit exploring the realities and myths surrounding cannibalism, often cited as a must-see.
Race: Are We So Different?
An interactive exhibit that challenges perceptions of race and its impact on society.
PostSecret Exhibit
A unique collection of anonymous secrets shared by people, offering a glimpse into diverse human experiences.
Panoramic Tower Views
Ascend the tower for stunning panoramic views of Balboa Park and the surrounding San Diego landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Save
Explore Beyond the Main Hall
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 EBT Card Holders: Free Entry!
Enjoy free admission with your EBT card. A great way to save on your visit!
🎟️ Combo Ticket Potential
Consider if a combo pass for multiple Balboa Park museums is available to save money.
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the diverse exhibits.
📱 Charge Your Phone
Lots of photo ops and interactive displays to capture!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 EBT Card Holders: Free Entry!
Enjoy free admission with your EBT card. A great way to save on your visit!
🎟️ Combo Ticket Potential
Consider if a combo pass for multiple Balboa Park museums is available to save money.
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the diverse exhibits.
📱 Charge Your Phone
Lots of photo ops and interactive displays to capture!
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Don't rush! Give yourself at least 2-3 hours to fully experience the exhibits.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Museum of Us for its diverse and thought-provoking exhibits, particularly the 'Cannibalism' and 'Race' displays. The engaging and interactive nature of the presentations makes it enjoyable for a wide audience, and the historic building adds to the charm. While some wish for clearer signage or more integrated ticketing for Balboa Park attractions, the overall experience is highly recommended for its educational value and unique content. +2
"I went here this past Tuesday which was resident free entry into the museum. It is a month of July so it was packed with kids and their parents or going with some type of camp. Although I still had a great experience visiting the museum! There's a lot to see and I really like how they exhibits were structured. And made it feel a lot less busy than it actually was. There's a lot of amazing history, best reference through my photos, highly recommend it if you are visiting Balboa Park to stop by."
marjon farz
"Very interesting museum. I particularly enjoyed the PostSecret exhibit, Egypt exhibit and one about animals and humans. Plus you should check out the Cannibal Museum next door (included in your entry)! Neither are huge but they are interesting and the museum does an excellent job honoring the artifacts and the cultures they came from. I wished the signage had been a bit more clear and descriptive about what you were looking at in exhibitions. Buying admission into the separate museums at the park does get pricey, but I felt the individual ticket price was reasonable. It would be nice if there were one discounted pass you could buy for entry into all the museums or a few of them."
Emma Vowels-Davison
"We went today as the one thing I wanted to do on my daughter's birthday trip. She was not enthused to go to museum but she LOVED it and so did I! It was fascinating and has something for everyone from beer to Mayans to border crossing to Hapa to race. Our favorites were the Race, Hapa, and Post Secret exhibits. The cannibalism exhibit was awesome and I loved the interactive sections.
Also the staff were sweet and helpful and let me charge my mobility scooter.
Totally recommend!!"
Celeste Atkins
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Museum of Us is located in Balboa Park, San Diego. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Public transportation options like buses also serve the park.
Yes, there is parking available in Balboa Park, though it can get busy, especially on weekends and during special events. Arriving early is recommended.
Absolutely! Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are a convenient way to reach the Museum of Us and drop you off close to the entrance.
Several bus routes stop within Balboa Park, making it accessible via public transportation. Check the local transit authority for the most up-to-date routes and schedules.
Balboa Park is quite large. Use a park map or your phone's GPS to locate the Museum of Us, which is housed in a distinctive 1915 building.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices vary, but the museum offers free entry for EBT cardholders. Check their official website for current ticket prices and any special offers.
Yes, the museum offers free resident entry on the first Tuesday of each month. Be prepared for larger crowds on these days.
It's highly recommended to purchase your tickets online in advance to save time and ensure entry, especially during peak seasons or special events.
Discounts may be available for seniors, students, and military personnel. It's best to check the museum's website or inquire at the ticket counter.
A standard ticket typically grants access to all permanent and temporary exhibits within the Museum of Us. Some special events might require separate tickets.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors frequently rave about the 'Cannibalism: Myth vs. Reality,' 'Race: Are We So Different?', and the 'PostSecret' exhibits. The Egypt exhibit is also a popular choice. +1
Yes, the museum offers engaging and interactive exhibits that appeal to a wide range of ages, making it a great family destination.
To fully appreciate the exhibits, plan for at least 2-3 hours. Some visitors spend even longer, especially if they enjoy interactive displays.
Many exhibits feature interactive components designed to enhance learning and engagement, making the experience more dynamic.
Photography for personal use is generally allowed, but flash photography and tripods may be restricted in certain areas. Always check for signage.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Museum of Us typically has a cafe or snack bar offering light refreshments. For full meals, Balboa Park has various dining options nearby.
Outside food and beverages are usually not permitted inside the museum galleries. There may be designated areas for picnics outside.
Expect typical cafe fare like sandwiches, salads, snacks, and beverages. The menu can vary, so check their website for current offerings.
Balboa Park offers several restaurants and cafes, ranging from casual to more formal dining, providing plenty of choices after your museum visit.
The Museum of Us may offer event rentals or party packages. Inquire directly with the museum's events department for details and availability.
📸 📸 Photography
The ornate architecture of the building itself, the panoramic tower views, and visually striking exhibits like 'Cannibalism' offer great photo opportunities.
Tripods are often not allowed inside museum galleries to avoid obstructing other visitors. Check the museum's specific photography policy.
Flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the artifacts and avoid disturbing other visitors. Always look for signage indicating restrictions.
The 'Race' exhibit, the 'Egypt' tombs, and the 'PostSecret' displays are often highlighted for their visual appeal and unique content. +1
Natural light can be best, but the museum's lighting is designed to showcase exhibits. Weekdays might offer fewer people in your shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pro-tip for families: Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid the peak weekend crowds, especially if you have younger children who might be overwhelmed by large groups.
💰 Budget Travelers
Tip: Look into potential discounts for students, seniors, or military personnel.
🤓 Curious Minds & History Buffs
Beyond historical artifacts, the museum excels at exploring contemporary social issues through exhibits like 'Race: Are We So Different?' and 'PostSecret'.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The "Cannibalism: Myth vs. Reality" Exhibit
This exhibit has been around for a while, with mentions of it dating back to 2017, and it has managed to stick around despite previous planned closures.
When planning your visit, be sure to allocate sufficient time for this exhibit, as it's a significant draw. It's often mentioned in conjunction with the main museum, and sometimes even referred to as the 'Cannibal Museum' next door, though it's part of the Museum of Us.
Navigating Balboa Park and Museum Access
Accessing the museum is straightforward, with ample parking available in Balboa Park. However, this parking can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during popular events.
Public transportation is also an option, with several bus routes serving the park. For those looking to maximize their visit to Balboa Park, consider purchasing a multi-museum pass if available, as individual tickets to various attractions can add up.
Understanding the Museum's Evolution and Exhibits
Key exhibits that consistently receive high praise include 'Race: Are We So Different?', an interactive exploration of race and its societal impact, and the 'PostSecret' exhibit, which showcases anonymous confessions and stories.
What sets the Museum of Us apart is its commitment to fostering dialogue and understanding. The exhibits are designed to be thought-provoking, encouraging visitors to reflect on their own perspectives and the world around them.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit