San Diego Automotive Museum
Decades capturing the design, power, and impact of motor vehicles

San Diego Automotive Museum
Our Mission

We are the hub of car culture in San Diego, uniting communities, sparking passion, and providing opportunities through the power and legacy of the automotive world.

Our Story

The original idea of creating an automotive museum in Balboa Park came from Briggs Cunningham, a renowned automobile collector and racer. The idea circulated for many years until an inspired group of local automotive enthusiasts propelled the idea forward.

In 1979, the San Diego City Council first considered the issue and in 1980 they gave unanimous approval to the museum and granted a long-term lease for one of the historic buildings in the jewel of San Diego: Balboa Park.

After spending approximately $1 million renovating and upgrading the building located in Balboa Park, the San Diego Automotive Museum opened on December 10, 1988 as San Diego's Premier Transportation Museum™. Read our Grand Opening Newsletter from 1988. Excerpt below:

"The San Diego Automotive over 50 historic and exotic cars Museum held a free Open House and motorcycles decorated the January 16 and 17 to celebrate Museum for the two day event its new home and to thank the which was seen by over 4,000 thousands of San Diegans who people, supported the Museum. The Open House was an opportunity for the Museum to encourage new interest and participation throughout the county."

From left to right: Rick Adams, Dan Biggs, Museum President, Barry Humphrey, Executive Director, Phil Gildred, Barnaby Brokaw, and Reid Carroll turn the giant ignition key to start The San Diego Automotive Museum.

A collage of photos from the opening of the San Diego Automotive Museum

After spending approximately $1 million renovating and upgrading the building, the San Diego Automotive Museum opened on December 10, 1988 as San Diego's Premier Transportation Museum™. Read our Grand Opening Newsletter from 1988.

Collage of photos showcasing guests having fun at the San Diego Automotive Museum

Since then, millions of local auto enthusiasts and tourists from all over the world have visited our world-class collection. Today the museum stands as a living tribute to the automobile and what it has meant to our culture.

The San Diego Automotive Museum is a non-profit corporation under section 501(c)(3).

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

Automobiles Are for Everyone

At the San Diego Automotive Museum™, we strive to be as diverse and inclusive as the vehicles we display. Be yourself. Every race, gender, age, religion, identity, and experience is valued and celebrated here.

Everyone is welcomed, accepted, and respected.

Meet Our Team

Meet the people behind the exhibits, programs, and experiences you love.

SEE OUR TEAM

Meet Our Supporters

Discover the people whose generosity fuels the San Diego Automotive Museum.

SEE OUR SUPPORTERS

Attention Media

News, influencers, bloggers, streamers

Please contact us in advance to schedule an appointment. Let us know who you are with and where we might view an example of your work. No walk-ins.

San Diego Automotive MuseumDecades capturing the design, power, and impact of motor vehicles

San Diego Automotive MuseumOur Mission