#mcasd

[garadinervi]

Robert Irwin: Primaries and Secondaries, MCASD – Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, La Jolla, CA, October 21, 2007 – February 23, 2008 [Art: © Robert Irwin / ARS, New York]

[davetada]

Outside the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego

La Jolla, CA

[chicanoartmovement]

CHICANO ART MOVEMENT: Farewell to MCASD Downtown 2024

In April 2024, we learned through the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego’s “Letter to the Community: MCASD Downtown” that of “ the current status of our downtown buildings. Prompted by expanded capacity and enhanced opportunities at our flagship La Jolla location, we’ve made a strategic decision to discontinue satellite operations downtown.” Checkout the slideshow of our past visit to the downtown location of MCASD in 2010 & 2015.

[tarevanche]

MCASD

[sc0rpio111rising]

MCASD. 8.2023

Yoshitomo Nara “After the Deluge”

[mohamedfouzihaffar]

San Diego Uncovered: Mohamed Haffar’s Travel Insights

San Diego is often celebrated for its pristine beaches, perfect weather, and laid-back coastal charm. But there’s so much more to this Southern California gem than meets the eye. For those willing to look beyond the surface, the city offers a vibrant blend of culture, nature, cuisine, and hidden adventures. Few know these layers better than Mohamed Haffar San Diego, a local explorer with a passion for discovering and sharing the city’s authentic character.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local seeking new perspectives, Mohamed’s travel insights offer a fresh and inspiring take on how to experience San Diego like never before.

Discovering San Diego’s Neighborhoods

Each neighborhood in San Diego tells a different story. From historic streets to trendy enclaves, Mohamed recommends diving deep into these communities to get a real taste of the city's diverse personality.

Hillcrest

Known for its inclusive vibe and bustling atmosphere, Hillcrest is a hub of culture and community. You’ll find quirky shops, weekend farmers' markets, and an array of international eateries lining the streets. It’s a great spot for people-watching and exploring on foot.

Ocean Beach (OB)

If you’re looking for vintage soul and coastal cool, OB delivers. From the beloved OB Pier to eclectic surf shops and local dive bars, this area captures San Diego’s relaxed, surf-town roots.

South Park

This charming, tree-lined neighborhood is perfect for those who love boutique shopping and craft coffee. South Park is where locals go to enjoy a slower pace, support small businesses, and soak in creativity.

Local Adventures: Beyond the Tourist Trail

Mohamed encourages travelers to go beyond the traditional tourist stops and explore the city’s natural beauty and hidden escapes.

Cabrillo National Monument

Perched at the tip of Point Loma, this historic site offers panoramic views of the San Diego Bay and skyline. It’s also home to tide pools and coastal trails where you can enjoy a quiet escape from the city buzz.

Mount Soledad

A favorite spot for sunrise and sunset, this hilltop offers 360-degree views from the ocean to the mountains. Mohamed recommends it for both its scenic beauty and its historical significance.

Mission Bay by Kayak

Rather than lounging on the beach, rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the calm waters of Mission Bay. It’s a fun and active way to see the area from a different perspective—ideal for early mornings when the water is still and peaceful.

Food Finds: Mohamed’s Go-To Eats

For Mohamed, the best way to understand a place is through its food. And in San Diego, the options are endless—from fresh seafood to global street food.

Point Loma Seafoods

Tucked near the harbor, this no-frills market and eatery is the place for some of the city’s freshest catches. Grab a crab sandwich or fish taco and watch the boats come and go.

Lucha Libre Taco Shop

This funky, lucha-themed taco joint delivers bold flavors and even bolder décor. Try the Surf & Turf burrito and sit in the famous “Champion’s Booth” if it’s available.

Native Poppy Café

Located inside a flower shop, this hidden gem serves coffee, tea, and pastries in a cozy, Instagram-worthy setting. Mohamed calls it a “morning must” when exploring North Park.

Cultural Hotspots with Local Flavor

San Diego’s cultural scene may be more subtle than in other major cities, but it’s rich, diverse, and full of surprises—if you know where to look.

New Children’s Museum

Not just for kids, this interactive museum downtown offers immersive exhibits that celebrate art, creativity, and innovation. It’s a favorite for families and art lovers alike.

Spreckels Organ Pavilion

Located in Balboa Park, this outdoor concert space is home to the world’s largest outdoor pipe organ. Free public performances happen regularly and make for a uniquely San Diego experience.

Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) – La Jolla

Recently expanded, this museum not only houses cutting-edge exhibits but also offers stunning views of the coastline. Mohamed recommends pairing a visit with a beachside brunch nearby.

Hidden Gems You’ll Want to Find

Some of San Diego’s best experiences are the ones that don’t appear on traditional itineraries. Mohamed’s favorite hidden gems include:

Maple Canyon Trail – A peaceful hike through a tucked-away ravine near Bankers Hill, perfect for a quick nature break.

Secret Swings in La Jolla – A bit of a local legend, these handmade swings overlooking the ocean pop up along trails and cliffside paths. Part of the adventure is finding them.

Queen Califia’s Magical Circle – A whimsical sculpture garden located in Kit Carson Park in Escondido. Bold colors, mosaics, and mythic creatures make this spot a visual feast.

Exploring San Diego through the lens of Mohamed Haffar San Diego reveals a city that’s both classic and constantly evolving. From vibrant neighborhoods and hidden trails to unforgettable eats and cultural treasures, San Diego offers something for every kind of traveler—if you know where to look. With Mohamed’s travel insights as your guide, you’ll uncover the local experiences that give this coastal city its heart and soul.

Would you like a shorter version for a travel blog excerpt or a visual layout for a social media post series? I can help with that too!

[distinktionsfetzen]

Check out Sarah Dwyer, Cast On Cast Off (2019), From MCASD Benefit Auction

[2004durukandeniz]

15 min city research (2)

I looked at some contemporary designs of museums and event spaces.

the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego by Happening Studio

I really like the colors even though they are not as vivid as the D&S branding it still gives it a fun playful look. I think its really interesting how MCASD is layed out typographically with huge gaps. Apperently it was inspired by how Ladislav Sutnar, the graphic designer added parentheses to telephone area-code numbers to make them more memorable.

[ivansharris]

So, I took my @canonusa to the reopening of the @mcasandiego in La Jolla and it was everything I envisioned. Random side story. My 50MM f1.4 lens barrel wasn’t calibrated, and so the pics weren’t tack sharp like I usually love them to be. Ironically, it reminded me of shooting with a film camera in the 70s. So, the experience was everthing that I dreamed about: A beautiful view, beautiful art, with beautiful people, @calebwithcurls @courtneysdade and @flemingdale. Of course I had to add some street photography, and architecture photography in the mix as well. The most intriguing art piece that stood out to me was the old school pomade, “wave grease” Duke and Royal Crown, with a wall full of press n combs. That was pretty spectacular to see Black Culture as artistic merit. I used wave grease and my Mom used a press And Comb. Anyway, it was fun, and a true creative release. Which museum do you think we should tour next? 📸: @ivansharrisphotography @canonusa R6 Canon EF 50mmf1.4 #IvanSHarrisPhotography #MuseumOfContemporaryArtSanDiego #LaJolla #Reopening #Museum #MCASD #photography #sandiegophotographer #Artist #Photographer (at La Jolla Contemporary Art Museum, La Jolla, CA) https://www.instagram.com/p/CdwSGp-PXb5/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[garadinervi]

Robert Irwin, Light and Space, (115 fluorescent lights), 2007 [MCASD – Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, La Jolla, CA. Art: © Robert Irwin / ARS, New York]

[tratist]

Life Stage (The Blurred Line Between Art & Life) at Sushi Performance and Visual Art, July 26-28, 2002. This event was a three-day multidisciplinary exposition of visual and performing art by over a hundred individuals and artists exploring the boundaries of a Life Stage. Attendees of all disciplines were also invited to share their life and work through exhibition, performance, and demonstration. Our expectations of art, and artists, were (at least in the context of the event) open to interpretation and investigation. We were all actors on stage performing our story and creating new experiences in the context of a living theater. In many ways Life Stage was inspired by Fluxus, and various elements of Burning Man. #artlosangeles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #expressionism #contemporaryabstract #hiddensandiego #expressionist #artcritic #artcriticism #ucsdart #dismaland #eastvillagesd #eastvillagesandiego #sandiegoculture #mcasd #downtownsandiego #gaslampquarter #gaslampdistrict #friezemagazine #modernluxurysd #elephantmagazine #experimentalartist #artlosangelescontemporary #barriologan #barrioartsdistrict #artmonthly #abstractmag #contemporarytheater #flashartmagazine #sandiegouniontribune #artforummagazine https://www.instagram.com/p/B4Du76MAL4R/?igshid=1hcojlv4v7ft6

[impermanent-art]

‘Don’t Believe The Hype!’ Os Gemeos mural riding in San Diego since 2010.

[coolsandiego]

“Fanon” (Even the Dead Are Not Safe) Eigenface, 2017, Trevor Paglen. Dye sublimation print.

[charr]

m c a s d 🌸 #mcasd (at Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego) https://www.instagram.com/p/CkUSNH9vr7H/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=