Free museum days at Balboa Park

Most of the wonderful museums in Balboa Park are open for free one Tuesday each month to San Diego City & County residents (with ID), active military & their dependents. Here’s the lowdown on which museums offer free admission and on which Tuesday of the month.

First Tuesday 

Natural History Museum: Featuring “Dino Jaws” from April 12, 2013 to September 12, 2013.

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center: The only I-MAX dome theater in Southern California. It is currently showing “Rocky Mountain Express,” a rollicking ride on a steam locomotive through the fabulous Canadian Rockies; and “To the Arctic,” which follows the life-or-death journey of one particular mama polar bear as she tries to lead her two seven-month-old cubs to a safe place.

Also Free: Model Railroad Museum and Centro Cultural de la Raza

Second Tuesday:

Museum of Photographic Arts: Now exhibiting “Unseen: the Photographs of Jessica Lange.” The Oscar-winning movie star has been a respected, professional photographer for almost 20 years. Known for her recording and interpretation of the people from different nations, this show will be there from Feb. 9 – May 19th, 2013.

San Diego History Center: Highlighting “Bottled & Kegged: San Diego’s Craft Brew Culture” April 5, 2013 – January 20, 2014.

Also Free: Veterans’ Museum & Memorial Center

Third Tuesday:

Museum of Man: Displaying “Instruments of Torture” (under 13 requires a parent or guardian); and “Rites of Passages” concerning ceremonies and rituals marking life’s important events, from around the world.

Museum of Art: From March 30-July 7, 2013, “Piranesi, Rome, and the Arts of Design“ will be active and from now until May 28, 2013, “Alternative Accounts: Plains Indian Ledger Art from the 19th Century to Now.”

Also Free: Mingei International Museum, Japanese Friendship Garden, and Museum of the Living Artist .

Fourth Tuesday:

Air & Space Museum: They are currently holding the “Ripley’s Believe It or Not!” traveling exhibit.

Also Free, Automotive Museum and Hall of Champions Sports Museum 

Always Free Admission:

The Botanical Building and Lily Pond, House of Pacific Relations International Cottages, and the Timken Museum of Art.