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    Comic-Con Museum

    2.9 (155 reviews)
    Closed • 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
    Updated 2 weeks ago

    Comic-Con Museum Photos

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    Robert L.

    This is a very different kind of museum in Balboa Park. Not included in the museum pass, you must pay for this separately, but we found it to be worth it. There are plenty of exhibits ranging from art, to props, to costumes, etc.

    Nate N.

    Expectation management is key here: the Comic‑Con Museum is *not* a museum filled with rare comic book artifacts or original golden‑age issues behind glass. Instead, it's a lively tribute to San Diego Comic‑Con itself--its history, its fandoms, and the creative worlds it celebrates. The bottom floor had three exhibits during my visit. The San Diego Comic‑Con history exhibit was surprisingly charming, with official programs, sketches, and memorabilia from each convention over the years. There was also a Luann exhibit (not a strip I'm familiar with, but fans will appreciate it), and a cosplay exhibit featuring some impressive costumes. The standout for me was the Warhammer 40K armor--incredible craftsmanship. The second floor is entirely dedicated to Doctor Who, and it's a treat for fans. Lots of interactive elements, costumes, figures, props, and of course, a full lineup of sonic screwdrivers. I also appreciated the educational videos that break down the real science behind the show's concepts. It's playful and surprisingly informative. The top floor shifts gears with a Lucha Libre exhibit, showcasing vibrant costumes and posters. There's also an education center and a kids' activity room, which makes the museum feel family‑friendly and accessible. But the absolute highlight for me was right at the entrance: the Batman #423 statue. It's a stunning piece, and the story behind how it ended up on loan to the museum made it even better. Overall, this museum shines when you approach it as a celebration of fandom rather than a traditional artifact‑driven museum. If you love Comic‑Con culture, cosplay, or specific fandoms like Doctor Who, you'll have a great time.

    Lucha Libre Coloring Activity Room
    Brianne R.

    Check which exhibits are there before you go! At the time of my visit, the bottom floor was closed, so it was just the Doctor Who exhibit and the Lucha Libre exhibit on the top floor, which was disappointing to say the least. It consisted of couple of masks, figurines, and a room with coloring pages and crayons. It also seemed like there was maybe an education center that focused on STEAM activities or possibly a maker space, but it was all closed so I don't fully know what's going on up there. The Doctor Who exhibit seemed pretty well planned and thought out. Lots of costumes and props and masks. A couple of interactive touchscreens and some cool photo opportunities. If you're a fan of the show, this gives you an opportunity to get up close and personal with the world of Doctor Who. However, if you're not a fan, it's *kinda* cool to check out, but without an established connection through being a fan and watching the series it's kind of just meh. Not worth the $30 in my opinion.

    Mark S.

    Fantastic museum for kids! My wife and I took our 8 year old son to check out his museum out in Balboa Park. It's a fun, interactive experience - one of the things that kept us engaged was the scavenger hunt with a prize at the end. There were 3 exhibits that were available at the time of this review: Doctor Who, Luchador and Betty Boop. All of them were equally enjoyable! Both exhibits had fun drawing areas--one for designing our own Luchador, and one with easy steps to draw Betty Boop! It's definitely worth it if you're going with family and friends. There's even a gift shop with items from pop culture like Pokemon, Godzilla, Disney and more! Highly recommend!!

    Deanne L.

    Visited during their Free Admission Tuesdays for residents this past November 2025. I'm glad it was free because I would not personally pay $30 to visit. There was a long line to get in, but only waited about 5 min. I was in and out in about 25 minutes and I took my sweet time looking at everything. I don't regret it though because had a fun time looking at the Tokidoki and Lucha Libre exhibits; got some great pics. Glad I came but don't think I'll be back!

    Sylvia A.

    I went to visit this museum because my husband is a fan of Dr.Who. I am a Betty Boop fan so I agreed to attend. It was an ok museum. A little on the expensive side. $30 for adults and $20 for seniors 65 and older but still ok If you're a fan of some sort. I'm not a Dr. Who fan but I found it interesting. I loved all the Betty Boop pictures and memorandums. Also love the free movie theater films of her. On the lower level. You also get one free comic book per person. Also stopped in the gift shop. They had $5 comic con tee shirts available. I purchased two. They also have several parking lots available. So no issues with parking. Just don't expect a whole lot or you may be disappointed.

    Becoming Betty Boop exhibit (museum theatre)
    Annabelle R.

    I must have come at the right time, cuz this unique museum in Balboa Park was 5 stars all the way (except for the parking situation, which was extremely difficult on a busy Sunday afternoon, but at least it was free). The amazing "Becoming Betty Boop" exhibit presented Betty Boop's history, starting from the 1930's, in a unique and appealing way, with collectible items set up, the actresses behind the changing voices, and the evolution of the beloved character over time. There were even classic cartoons and clips of the music behind the series with Cab Calloway and an orchestra of musicians, showing in black and white in the museum's theatre downstairs, and an interactive station where visitors could attempt to draw Betty Boop. The "Myth of Superheroes" exhibit described the connection between greek/roman mythology and modern-day superheroes, for instance Poseidon/Neptune and Aquaman, or Hermes/Mercury and the Flash. The history of comic heroes was also illustrated in detail, an extraordinary visual display of the complex timeline. And I was wowed by the room full of collectible figures, more characters than I can name, in the worlds of Marvel, DC, and beyond! I enjoyed finding Rogue and Groot of course (as my bunnies are named after these superheroes). The museum also showcased the work of Chuck Jones, particularly Looney Tunes artwork including Bugs Bunny, Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner, John Jennings collaborations, and a room full of cosplay costumes. There was more than this, but I can't name everything. For sure the presentation of items in the museum included both depictions of actual comics and unique displays related to the different characters and themes, to keep it interesting, which I appreciated. In the end, we checked out the gift shop, which had a variety of books, apparel, toys, and souvenirs for sale, including Thomas Kinkade artworks of DC/Marvel scenes. I'm definitely a fan. With rotating exhibits at this museum, I'd gladly return to explore something new.

    Coloring stations
    Veronica M.

    We visited on a field trip and my littles had an amazing time. They fully enjoyed the scavenger hunt throughout the museum and the interactive stations as well.

    Michael L.

    This is not included in the Balboa explore pass, however we decided to do it anyway. This is the first stop for the Dr Who exhibit, this was great, lots of screen used props and costumes. It was interactive and well put together. Beyond that, a complete waste of money. Upper level is taken up my Lucha Libre items ?????? Lower lever was almost entirely made up of little toys and things from a variety of Asian shows. There was a small corner with cos play items. No marvel, DC, dark horse or any sci Fi items. Being and extra $30 each to get in beyond the pass we had already paid for was a waste of money.

    Batman!
    Ken C.

    The comic con museum, located in Balboa Park, opened a few years ago. I had a lot of fun coming here! Aside from having lots of cool things to look at, I really appreciated how they broke down the history of comics from greek mythology to Marvel/DC. They had great insight regarding how comics and their heroes are a reflection of the times they represent. In the past, I think that yelpers griped about the $25 admission fee. I do think that they've expanded their offerings since it first came out. I appreciated that this wasn't solely a Marvel/DC love fest. They referenced Japanese anime, the work of Chuck Jones, and Betty Boop as well. I hear that they regularly change their exhibits, so I look forward what they come up with in the future! If they have a really compelling new exhibit, then it will pull me back!

    Current Betty Boop Exhibit
    Liz K.

    What a great Museum you almost don't need to go to Comic Con! Haha Seriously, there is something for everyone here although the exhibits focus mainly on Superheroes. Not much of other comic related things like cartoons: Snoopy, Archie, etc). My first time here so maybe other visiting exhibits come through like the current Betty Boop collection! I'm not much into superheroes but I found this Museum quite fun and interesting. Found a lot of my childhood favorites and current favorites of Greek Mythology, where the inspiration for modern day superheroes came from!! The little theater inside also plays Classic cartoons which is really cool! There is also an interactive area for the kids (or anyone) to create your own piece to hang in the room! Great pieces from across the Border which is on display now! There are a few interactive picture taking areas where you can be a superhero and the volunteers are so helpful and friendly to take your pictures! Overall this is a great place for anyone regardless of your interest in comics or not.

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    Ask the Community - Comic-Con Museum

    Where do you park for museum? Online it just says limited parking. please help

    You can park in any of the balboa park parking lots (free).

    If we got tickets for the spider man exhibit does that mean we can see the whole museum?

    Yes !! You definitely can check out the rest of the museum and gift shop.

    Does anyone know if this museum participates in a discount on admission tickets if someone in your party has a SNAP/EBT card? Also, if you know what the discounted ticket price goes down to, let me know too. Thanks!

    I don't know about SNAP/EBT but they do offer military, senior, and student discounts. They only ask to see an ID for the military discount.

    If backpacks aren't allowed.. are diaper bags?

    Just went there this week with my 2 kids, age 14 and 8. We had a regular sized backpack with us and they didn't say anything about it nor did they stop us. I'm sure a diaper… 

    Can you buy tickets in person?

    yes, inside at the left, pay counter..

    Is the museum open to public yet?

    Yes

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Comic-Con Museum

    “And, right next to the Star Trek exhibit are the huge Marvel characters made out of paper mache.”

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

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