San Diego Museum of Man (Museum of Us)

Overview

The Museum of Us (formerly San Diego Museum of Man) is an anthropology museum in Balboa Park's iconic California Tower — one of the most photographed buildings in San Diego. It explores cultures and human experience through interactive exhibitions.

Highlights

• California Tower: Climb the 1915 tower for 360° views of Balboa Park and the city.
• BEERology: A popular permanent exhibit exploring the science, history, and culture of beer.
• Cannibals: Myth & Reality: A provocative exhibit examining cannibalism across cultures.

History

The museum was established for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition. It was renamed from the "Museum of Man" to "Museum of Us" in 2020 to reflect its inclusive mission. The California Tower tours began in 2015 after 80 years of closure.

Visitor Tips

• The Tower Tour ($8 extra) is the best viewpoint in Balboa Park — absolutely worth it.
• BEERology is uniquely engaging — even for non-beer-drinkers.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.