This gem of a museum is located inside the famous San Diego Balboa Park. Besides the San Diego Zoo, you can also find this museum which is just across the way from the Ruben H Fleet Science Center. The museum is three stories and is full of fossils and animal bones. It is not as large at the Los Angeles Museum of Natural History but it is still full of interesting and educational exhibits. There is plenty of interactive displays as well.

An exciting feature of the museum is an upcoming temporary exhibit on Pompeii. This will require a separate admission ticket from the general admission to the museum. The normal admission is as follows:

It is open everyday from 10 AM to 5 PM

San Diego Natural History Museum

1788 El Prado
Balboa Park
San Diego, CA 92101
619.232.3821

A Day in Pompeii runs February 15 – June 15, 2008

Buried in 79 CE by a catastrophic eruption of Mt. Vesuvius, Pompeii remained hidden and forgotten until 1748 when archaeologists began to excavate the site. What they discovered were exquisitely preserved objects that offer a glimpse into the day-to-day life of this ancient city.

This compelling exhibition features more than 250 authentic artifacts. Most poignant and dramatic are the body casts of the volcano’s victims, frozen in their last moments. Beautiful frescoes, jewelry, statues, and household items take you back in time to experience life and death in ancient Rome’s favorite vacation resort.

The San Diego Natural History Museum is one of only four museums that will host this exclusive exhibition.

Ticket Prices for this special event:

A Day in Pompeii tickets include an audio tour, available in English and Spanish, and all other exhibitions and films. General Museum admission does not include A Day in Pompeii.