Four large-scale exhibitions, a public celebration on the exact anniversary date, and an expanded slate of community programs will shape the centennial of the San Diego Museum of Art (SDMA) in 2026, marking 100 years since its opening as the Fine Arts Gallery of San Diego on February 28, 1926.

The commemorative agenda will begin on January 24, 2026, with SDMA 100 Years, an exhibition that revisits the museum’s history through archives, images, and documentary materials, while also incorporating memories and photographs contributed by the community itself.

Opening concurrently will be Local Visions: Reimagining the Façade (January 24–July 26), an exhibition developed from an open call to local artists, who reinterpret the museum’s iconic façade through contemporary perspectives that reflect San Diego’s creative diversity.

Among the Centennial Artist Honorees are Wagner Humphreys, Lori Mitchell, and Tim Novara, joined by seven additional artists. Lori Mitchell’s work stands out for capturing the anticipation of visitors in front of the museum, bringing together students, tourists, and art enthusiasts.

The centennial activities are being carried out under the leadership of Roxana Velásquez, Executive Director and CEO of SDMA, a Latina of Mexican origin whose tenure has strengthened the museum’s reach and its connection with diverse audiences. In statements released by the institution, Velásquez emphasized that the commemoration seeks not only to recognize a century of history, but also to reaffirm the museum’s commitment to access and cultural inclusion.

The 2026 calendar also includes Cafés and Cabarets: The Spectacular Art of Toulouse-Lautrec (April 4–September 20), an exceptional exhibition of approximately 35 works by French artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec from the museum’s permanent collection. Due to their sensitivity to light, these pieces are displayed only on rare occasions, making the exhibition a unique opportunity for the public. The show will also feature a dedicated space for community participation.

From May 16 through September 7, the museum will present Forging a Legacy: 15 Years of Landmark Acquisitions, a review of the most significant acquisitions and donations from the past 15 years, many of them made by members of the community. The exhibition highlights the growth of the museum’s collections of art from Asia, the Islamic world, Europe, the Americas, photography, and contemporary art.

Running in parallel will be A New Vision for the Next Century, an exhibition launched in 2025 that presents the museum’s expansion and renovation plans developed in collaboration with the international firm Foster + Partners.

The culmination of the centennial will take place on February 28, 2026, when SDMA will offer free admission all day and host a two-part Birthday Fest:

The Cake Party, featuring unlimited cake, live music, interactive activities, and a collaboration with Panama 66 and Burgeon Beer Co. to create a Centennial Beer inspired by the Prohibition era.

On the Steps Centennial Celebration, a community program on the museum’s steps with music, dance, artistic activities, and special guest participation.

Throughout the year, additional cultural collaborations will be added, including a partnership with San Diego Ballet, as well as an expansion of the MySDMA program in collaboration with the San Diego Public Library, aimed at bringing art closer to families and historically underserved communities.

To commemorate the centennial, SDMA will also release the publication The San Diego Museum of Art: Collection Highlights—Celebrating a Century, along with limited-edition merchandise including T-shirts, bags, and pins. Visitors will be able to interact with the museum’s history through an interactive timeline game available on the official SDMA app, allowing users to explore historical events and discover works from the collection.

With a collection of more than 32,000 works spanning from 3000 B.C. to the present day, the San Diego Museum of Art reaches its centennial consolidated as a cultural landmark of Southern California, connecting its historical legacy with new generations and expanding its impact on the community.