showcases compelling photography and also presents films in its state-of-the-art theater. The Mingei International Museum is dedicated to folk art, craft and design from around the world, while the Timken Museum of Art is home to the Putnam Foundation’s renowned collection of European and Byzantine art, including Russian religious paintings. The San Diego Art Institute’s Museum of the Living Artist presents exhibitions by contemporary local artists every four to six weeks, and the historic Spanish Village Art Center is a collection of 37 studios representing more than 200 artists working in media ranging from sculpture to blown glass; the charming courtyard setting is meant to evoke an Old World town square.
(OPPOSITE) BJARNE G. JENSEN EXCEPT BONOBO COURTESY SAN DIEGO ZOO; (THIS PAGE, TOP) EDWIN SANTIAGO
SCienCe & HiSTorY
Balboa Park’s many non-visual-art museums are a huge draw for children, but most distinguish themselves by crafting exhibitions that also appeal to adult sensibilities. The San Diego Air and Space Museum salutes aviation with 68 original, reproduction and model airplanes and spacecraft. The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center has interactive science exhibitions and an IMAX Dome theater. The country’s largest multisports museum, the San Diego Hall of Champions has interactive displays inviting sports fans to test their athletic and broadcasting skills. From antiques to hot rods, the San Diego Automotive Museum’s collection illustrates the evolution of the automobile. The San Diego Natural History Museum’s life-sized T-Rex skeleton, fossil exhibits and 3-D theater let visitors explore the natural world. Dedicated to the study of anthropology,
The iconic Museum of Man
greAT Find
SWEET TOOTH
From rainforest treasure to luscious treat, the world of chocolate is rich with history. Get the story behind an all-time favorite dessert at Chocolate, currently on exhibit at the San Diego Natural History Museum. Visit the ancient civilization of Central America and discover what chocolate meant nearly 1,500 years ago—originating from the seeds of cacao trees and evolving into a bitter treat sipped by royalty—and follow its transformation into a world commodity. Explore the plant, the products and the culture of chocolate through its science, history and popular culture aspects. Now through March 10, 2013, at the San Diego Natural History Museum, 1788 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.232.3821 –Jordan Fraser
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