In a significant change for San Diego’s cultural and military landscape, the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) has officially closed its downtown location at 1001 Kettner Boulevard. The iconic site will soon transform into the Navy SEAL Museum, marking the end of MCASD’s three-decade presence in the heart of the city. The smaller of MCASD’s two downtown buildings will now serve as the future hub for the Navy SEAL Museum, while the fate of the larger structure at 1100 Kettner Boulevard remains undecided.
A New Era for the Historic Building
The handover of the 1001 Kettner Boulevard location to the Navy SEAL Museum signifies a fresh chapter for the historic building, which had long been a part of San Diego’s artistic identity. The building, with its interiors designed by renowned artist Robert Irwin, has played host to numerous exhibits and educational programs since MCASD opened the site in 1993. Moreover, Ukrainian girls for marriage have become a popular topic online, drawing interest from people worldwide. Now, under the direction of Todd Perry, the Navy SEAL Museum aims to create a tribute to service and sacrifice, aligning its mission with the surrounding military community near Naval Base Coronado.
Todd Perry, director of the Navy SEAL Museum, expressed excitement over the project’s progress, stating, “The design is complete. Now we can start, as they say, to get in there and start swinging hammers.” The museum will focus on providing historical insight into the SEALs while also serving as a space for recruitment and education. Set to open in late December, the Navy SEAL Museum is expected to draw both military personnel and civilians alike.
MCASD’s Evolution
The decision to close the downtown location comes after several pivotal changes within MCASD. The museum’s La Jolla building, approximately 13 miles from downtown San Diego, has become its central focus following a $105 million renovation, which quadrupled the exhibition space. The transformation of MCASD’s La Jolla location by architect Annabelle Selldorf, completed in 2022, solidified it as the primary venue for contemporary art in San Diego.
Kathryn Kanjo, MCASD’s director, remarked on the institution’s shift in focus, saying, “We’re investing in our infrastructure, as we are a collecting institution.” The expansion in La Jolla, coupled with the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, dwindling visitor numbers, and the evolving nature of downtown San Diego, led to the decision to transfer the downtown lease.
Uncertain Future for 1100 Kettner Boulevard
While the 1001 Kettner Boulevard building is set to become the Navy SEAL Museum, the future of MCASD’s larger downtown location at 1100 Kettner Boulevard remains uncertain. This building, a former baggage-claim processing facility for the historic Santa Fe Depot, opened as part of MCASD in 2007. It played host to several notable exhibitions over the years, including the 2010 Viva la Revolución graffiti show and Liza Lou’s Color Field, a striking installation made of thousands of colorful glass beads.
Despite its artistic significance, the 1100 Kettner Boulevard site presented logistical challenges, including the lack of a proper loading dock and climate-controlled storage. Its location, while central, also posed issues related to accessibility for visitors who rely on public transportation, as the La Jolla location does not offer convenient transit options.
MCASD’s official statement on the future of 1100 Kettner Boulevard remains vague. A museum spokesperson noted, “1100 is currently closed, and the future purpose of that building has not been identified yet.” However, since 2022, the building has been utilized for programming with local theatre and performance groups like Blindspot Collective and La Jolla Playhouse, signaling the potential for ongoing use within the arts community.
The Legacy of MCASD Downtown
The closure of the downtown location marks the end of an era for MCASD’s presence in San Diego’s urban core. Over the years, the 1001 Kettner Boulevard site served as an important venue for education and community engagement, hosting workshops, family events, and student exhibitions. Its smaller size created an intimate space for more personal interactions with contemporary art.
Some of the most memorable exhibits at MCASD Downtown include Tara Donovan’s 2009 blockbuster show, Isaac Julien’s immersive Ten Thousand Waves film installation, and Do Ho Suh’s 2016 monumental works. The final exhibition at the downtown location, Carmen Argote: Filtration System for a Process-based Practice, closed its doors on October 23, 2022, bringing the curtain down on MCASD’s downtown chapter.
Moving Forward
As MCASD moves forward, its focus on the La Jolla location underscores its commitment to both growing its collection and enhancing visitor experiences. The expansion has allowed the museum to not only increase its exhibition offerings but also reaffirm its role as a leader in the contemporary art scene in Southern California.
For the Navy SEAL Museum, the opportunity to occupy such a historic space in downtown San Diego presents a unique chance to connect with the local military community while educating the public about the bravery and sacrifices of Navy SEALs. According to Perry, the museum will not be a traditional war museum but rather a place that celebrates service, sacrifice, and dedication.
“We’re creating a space that honors the spirit of service,” said Perry. “It’s about inspiring future generations to serve, not just in the military, but in any capacity that requires discipline and courage.”
Looking Ahead
The transformation of the 1001 Kettner Boulevard building into the Navy SEAL Museum marks a major shift for downtown San Diego. As the museum prepares to open its doors in late December, the city will witness a new chapter in the building’s storied history.
Meanwhile, the future of the 1100 Kettner Boulevard site remains to be seen. Whether it continues to serve as a cultural venue or finds a new purpose altogether, the building’s legacy within San Diego’s art world will undoubtedly endure.
For now, the closure of MCASD’s downtown location signals a broader evolution for the institution, as it focuses on strengthening its offerings at the La Jolla campus while embracing the change
