San Diego Natural History Museum opens Washed Ashore alongside a pop-up “dive bar,” Sunday brunch, new films, and more

SAN DIEGO—After nine months of construction that brought sweeping infrastructure upgrades—including a new Atrium ceiling and a significant solar installation powering the Museum’s sustainability mission—The Nat is ready to throw open its doors to welcome summer visitors.

On May 22, 2026, the San Diego Natural History Museum opens Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea, a stunning exhibition of more than 25 larger‑than‑life marine sculptures, each one meticulously hand-crafted from debris collected along coastlines across the United States. But the experience doesn’t stop at the gallery doors. Friday nights, the exhibition transforms into an ocean-themed “dive bar” as part of the beloved Nat at Night series. Sundays bring something brand new: a rooftop brunch with sweeping Balboa Park views. Add giant-screen films, free community events, and five floors of nature to explore, and The Nat is shaping up to be one of the season’s must-visit destinations.

In Washed Ashore, visitors will encounter a whimsical cast of marine creatures, including suspended jellyfish blooms, an 18‑foot whale ribcage, and charismatic pieces like Dexter the Dungeness crab, Eli the eel, and Annie the anemone. Upon closer inspection, each sculpture is revealed to be a mosaic of discarded items like plastic bottles, flip flops, lighters, rope, and even toothbrushes—all of which were formerly polluting the world’s oceans. The 3,000-square-foot exhibition features sculptures, wall art, and learning activities that invite visitors to explore the impact of plastic pollution and discover ways to take action. It will remain on view through February 28, 2027.

“We focus on conserving nature through science and discovery,” shared Judy Gradwohl, president and CEO at The Nat. “With this exhibit, whimsical art highlights a major threat to the world’s oceans and encourages conservation action.”

The sculptures have been featured at locations throughout the country and bring attention to the estimated 75 to 199 million tons of plastic currently choking our oceans and waterways and killing wildlife. Based in North Bend, Oregon, the Washed Ashore Project is a non-profit dedicated to educating and creating awareness about marine debris and plastic pollution through art.

The opening of Washed Ashore also kicks off The Nat’s Summer of Wonder, full of special (and brand-new) programs and activities:

• New! Nature-filled films on the giant screen. In keeping with the ocean theme, Ocean Paradise reveals the secrets of the Pacific Ocean’s most remote areas. It is narrated by Diane Lane, with music from Coldplay and Jack Johnson. Back From the Brink, narrated by Claire Danes, tells the extraordinary stories of animals rescued from the brink of extinction. All films screen daily and are included with paid admission (Wild San Diego remains in the rotation too). Learn more.

• New! Brunch on the rooftop. On June 14, July 12, and August 9, a museum visit can turn into a Sunday Funday with the addition of rooftop brunch, featuring mimosas and bloody Marys, coffee, and delicious brunch bites from Wolfish by Wolf in the Woods. Down in the Atrium, The Craft Taco joins the fun with their own Sunday brunch offerings. VIP packages that include behind-the-scenes tours will be available. Learn more.

• Nat at Night. The best weekends start in Balboa Park. Every Friday, admission is half-price after 5 PM. Visitors can explore all five floors, share a beer with a scientist during Nature on Tap, then hit the roof to mingle with other nature lovers and enjoy a spectacular sunset view, a TGIF cocktail, and small bites from Wolf in the Woods. Learn more.

• Hands-on activities every weekend. From creative activities like Nature Studio and a community art project, to interacting and learning directly from our Museum-trained naturalists, to family programs like Nature and Me Storytime, to animal encounters with our Living Lab residents and birds of prey, there’s something for everyone at The Nat. Learn more.

• Garden Fair on Saturday, June 20. Plant enthusiasts can nourish their native plant knowledge both outside (free) and inside the Museum (discounted admission). The Nat will be giving away native milkweed, hosting a native plant sale, accompanied by tons of hands-on educational activities.

• Moth Party on Friday, July 24. Museum scientists will attract moths to land at an outside location for any park visitor to ask questions, look at preserved specimens, and find live moths through “light sheeting.”

• Nat Talks every month. We have four amazing talks scheduled this summer that explore the latest in scientific research, conservation, and the natural world. Learn more.

Later in the summer, two small but beloved exhibitions will be reopening on the 4th floor as construction wraps up. Hidden Gems will reopen in June and Expedition Baja in July.

To stay in the know on all-things exhibitions, visit The Nat website, sign up for email updates, or follow on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and LinkedIn.

About the San Diego Natural History Museum

The San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat) is one of California’s oldest and most respected cultural and scientific institutions. Founded in 1874 by a small group of citizen scientists, the Museum works to conserve nature through science and discovery. The Museum is located at 1788 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101 in Balboa Park. For more information, call 877.946.7797 or visit sdnat.org.

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Press Kit

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Media Info

For media inquiries or interview requests, please contact:
Paula Sternberg, Senior Manager of Communications, psternberg@sdnhm.org, 619.255.0220

For a full press kit and images, click here.