News Summary
The San Diego Natural History Museum is set to begin a $7.5 million renovation project, which includes significant upgrades such as a new roof and solar panel installation. Visitors can enjoy half-off admission during this period. While some areas will be temporarily closed, popular exhibits will remain open. The project aims to preserve the museum’s historic integrity and improve energy efficiency, ultimately saving around $200,000 in annual energy costs.
San Diego – Construction is set to begin this week on a $7.5 million renovation project at the San Diego Natural History Museum, also known as The Nat. As part of this initiative, the museum will offer visitors half-off admission starting Monday and continuing through early November.
The museum is situated at 1788 El Prado in Balboa Park and has a rich history, having been established in 1874 as the San Diego Society of Natural History. It holds a significant place in the region’s heritage as the second-oldest scientific institution west of the Mississippi River and the oldest of its kind in California.
Details of the Renovation
The renovation will address several essential upgrades, including the replacement of the aging roof, enhancements to climate control systems, and the addition of solar power options. A major aspect of this project involves removing the existing atrium ceiling and installing a new design that is intended to improve climate control. This upgrade will also facilitate the installation of solar panels, with approximately 30% of the entire roof being replaced.
During the renovation, certain areas of the museum will be temporarily closed. The theater and surrounding galleries will not be accessible, but popular exhibits such as Amazement in the Basement, Living Lab, Unshelved, Coast to Cactus in Southern California, and parts of Fossil Mysteries are expected to remain open. A temporary location for the on-site café and gift shop will also be available throughout the renovations.
Access and Parking
Visitors can enter the museum using the south or west entrances, but the north entrance near the Moreton Bay Fig Tree will be closed for the duration of the project. The parking lot to the east of the museum will be unavailable starting September 23 due to the use of cranes and equipment for staging purposes.
Timeline and Impact
The museum anticipates that most galleries and amenities will reopen by mid-November after the renovations are completed. However, two galleries on the fourth floor will remain closed until spring 2026. This renovation comes in light of a panel failure in the existing skylight, which is over 25 years old and caused water damage during a rainstorm last year. The replacement of the skylight is crucial for protecting the museum’s scientific specimens, as it will reduce temperature and humidity fluctuations, thereby alleviating greenhouse effects.
Environmental and Financial Benefits
The new roof design will support the installation of 200 solar panels, which are projected to save the museum approximately $200,000 in energy costs each year—a significant financial benefit for the organization. The funding for the renovation will be sourced from a mix of state funding and contributions raised through the museum’s capital campaign.
Commitment to Natural History
This renovation aligns with the museum’s ongoing commitment to the stewardship of natural history and the preservation of its historic building. The San Diego Natural History Museum welcomes nearly 400,000 visitors each year and is home to a vast research collection encompassing 9 million specimens. As the institution moves forward with these essential upgrades, it remains dedicated to providing educational and engaging experiences for the community.
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Additional Resources
- Times of San Diego: Admission to Natural History Museum Half-Off Through Early November
- Google Search: San Diego Natural History Museum
- NBC San Diego: Balboa Park’s Nat Museum Brings Fossils Back to Life
- Encyclopedia Britannica: San Diego
- SD Today: 6 Amazing Women Who Helped Shape the San Diego Natural History Museum
- Google News: San Diego Natural History Museum Renovation
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
