Who We Are
Who
We Are How to Locate
Us Hours of Operation Admission Price Donations & Membership Museum Gift Shop How to Contact Us Who We AreThe mission of the San Diego Model Railroad Museum is to preserve the heritage of railroading through a series of minature representations of California railroads; research and preserve the history of model railroading; and educate the public in the many differant aspects of railroading.
The museum is a non-profit (501.c.3) corporation recognized by the Federal and California governments. It was incorporated in 1980 and has three non-profit organizations as principle exhibitors: San Diego Model Railroad Club (Chartered in 1938); La Mesa Model Railroad Club (Inc. in 1962); and the San Diego Society of N-Scale (Inc. in 1981). At 24,000 sq. ft., the museum is the largest indoor model railroad display in the world. The individual HO and N scale layouts are among largest of their type. Construction of the model railroads is done by volunteer club members (aprox. 300). Each club is responsible for the design, construction, funding, and operation of its exhibit. Criteria for membership in the individual clubs is determined by each club. Check Model Railroad Clubs for additional information.
Since its opening to the public in March of 1982, the museum has had over two million visitors. The museum has played host to numerous conventions, orgainzations, school groups, and community functions. If your organization would like to inquire about museum availability, proceed to the How To Contact Us.
If you're planning to visit from out of town, be sure to check out The City Of San Diego's Web page. It provides information to help make your stay in America's Finest City more enjoyable. LocationThe museum is located on the lower level of the Casa De Balboa on the Prado in Balboa Park
Hours of OperationTuesday thru Friday 11:00 - 4:00
Saturday - Sunday 11:00 - 5:00
The museum is also open on the following holidays:
Tuesdays and Friday evenings are work nights for the various clubs. Visitors may enter at no charge, but construction work on the exhibits is all that may usually be seen on those nights. Contact one of the Model Railroad Clubs for additional information about work night schedules.
Admission PriceAdults: One Day Pass $3.00
Seniors, Students, and Military with
ID: $2.50
Children under 15 are always FREE when accompanied by an adult
First Tuesday of the month is FREE for everyone
Donations &
MembershipDonors of ten dollars or more receive museum membership. Membership includes free entry into the museum and a subscription to the museum's newsletter, "San Diego Telegraph." Family membership allows free admission for an entire family. Contributing members and higher may also bring in guests on their pass. All members receive special rates on museum events and discounts on books and videos at the Museum Gift Shop. Doners at the level of Life and above have their names inscribed permanently on the Wall of Honor.
The levels of donation are:
All donations and bequests are tax deductible under federal and state tax provisions. The museum is an exempt educational institution under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code.
Gift ShopA wide variety of rail-related items are available, including toys, books, videos, clothing, jewlery, works of art, and other collectibles. Call (800) 446-8738 to order.
How To Contact UsSan Diego Model Railroad Museum
1649 El Prado
San Diego, CA 92101-1621
Tel. (619) 696-0199
Museum logo copyright (c) SDMRM