Timken Museum of Art

The Timken Museum of Art is located in Balboa Park and houses a collection of European old master paintings, sculptures, and tapestries. The works are displayed throughout a modernist building designed to use natural light effectively.

The museum was established in 1965 by the Putnam Foundation to create a permanent collection of European and American masterworks. This foundation allowed the institution to grow into an important repository of art.

The collection brings together Italian, Spanish, and French masters alongside Russian icons and American works, reflecting how different artistic traditions shaped each other. Visitors can trace connections between European painting and other cultural expressions across the centuries.

The museum is located in Balboa Park and offers free admission to all visitors. Parking is available nearby, and the building is accessible for those with mobility needs.

The collection includes Russian icons displayed alongside European paintings and American artworks, an unusual combination not often seen in American museums. This mix offers visitors an unexpected perspective on artistic traditions from different cultures and time periods.

Location: San Diego

Inception: 1965

Official opening: 1965

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Address: 1500 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101

Opening Hours: Wednesday-Sunday 10:00-17:00

Phone: +16192395548

Website: http://timkenmuseum.org

GPS coordinates: 32.73180,-117.14960

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:02