The San Diego Museum of Art (SDMA) is marking its 100th anniversary with a special exhibition titled 'SDMA: 100 Years.' The show, curated by Lucas Perez, traces the institution's chronological evolution from its origins after the 1915 Panama-California Exposition, through its founding in 1926 as the Fine Arts Gallery, to its present-day identity. It features rediscovered archival materials, including early children's art and photographs documenting periods like its conversion into a naval hospital during World War II.
The exhibition highlights how the museum's history is deeply intertwined with the cultural development of San Diego itself. By showcasing community contributions and forgotten chapters, it reinforces the museum's role as a civic institution shaped by and for its public. The centennial celebration serves as both a historical reflection and a reaffirmation of the museum's ongoing mission to collect, preserve, and interpret art for the region.