The New Children's Museum

The New Children’s Museum celebrated the opening of its new home located in downtown San Diego’s Marina District on May 4, 2008. The Museum, an environmentally sustainable building designed by architect Rob Wellington Quigley, provides a dynamic, playful public space and community center for children and families—a place to experience exciting art exhibitions, hands-on studio projects, performances, birthday parties, in-depth classes, camps and educational programs.

Across the street from the new building is a beautiful park, extending the museum visit outdoors with space for running, climbing, family picnics and a view of the trains and trolley going by. The New Children’s Museum opened just in time to meet an urgent community need, providing early exposure to the visual arts at a time when arts curriculum is increasingly cut from schools. And with a focus on sustainability, The New Children’s Museum provides an environment that encourages active minds, healthy bodies and unstructured play.

“Our goal is to inspire children to think, play and create by providing accessible and meaningful art experiences,” stated Rachel Teagle PhD, Executive Director of the Museum. “We are a unique hybrid of a children’s museum and an art museum.”

“The New Children’s Museum exhibits contemporary works of art for children and families,” added Patsy Marino, President of the Museum’s Board of Directors. “We approach contemporary art with a playful spirit, and take children’s need for play seriously.”

The Museum experience features innovative, provocative artworks that kids can touch, climb, or move; hands-on art making opportunities; and a variety of arts-based classes and camps. Rounded out with an organic cafe, abundant seating, quiet space for parents and infants, and an outdoor park, the Museum provides a comfortable and engaging environment for the entire family to enjoy together.

Located at 200 West Island Avenue, the Museum faces Harbor Drive and is well-positioned near the MTS Convention Center Trolley stop, Seaport Village and the Gaslamp Quarter, making it easily reachable to residents and visitors throughout the region.