NBC 7’s Audra Stafford gives you a first peak at Balboa Park’s new Comic-Con museum.
What to Know
- On Nov. 26, the Comic-Con Museum will have a "soft opening"
- A special member preview will happen an hour before it opens to the public
- The museum opens on the same week Comic-Con Special Edition is happening
Comic-Con fans, unite!
San Diego's Comic-Con Museum opened on Friday in Balboa Park in the former Hall of Champions.
In the works since 2017, Comic-Con has been preparing for a transformation of Balboa Park's former Hall of Champions into a year-round museum focused on beloved comics.
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"The museum ... is designed to activate the participatory spirit of the Comic-Con experience all year round," Comic-Con officials said in a news release.
Museum-goers can expect 25,000 square feet dedicated to rotating exhibits; a 6,000-square-foot education center; a 4K video theater and presentation space; a gift shop packed with comics, graphic novels, branded souvenirs and more; learning-focused labs; and classes and seminars.
One of the exhibits launching will be "Eight Decades of Archie." Attendees will be welcomed to Riverdale through vintage comic books, original art, unique props and other exclusive memorabilia.
Museum officials are hoping for an economic impact in San Diego of $140 million from the new museum, according to its long-range comprehensive plan, which also stated that they look forward to an anticipated 135,000 annual attendees, with 1,000 exhibitors annually, and twice that many panels and programs on tap.
The soft opening will be held on Nov. 26 the same week the Comic-Con Special Edition will be held. Those attending during Comic-Con Special Edition will be able to ride a complimentary shuttle between the San Diego Convention Center and the museum. The shuttle will run every 30 minutes.
Comic-Con Special Edition 2021
What you need to know before attending the event
The museum will have special opening weekend hours. Tickets start at $19.95 and memberships are also available starting at $50.
Every guest attending the museum will be required to wear a face mask upon entering the building and throughout the entire visit.
A grand opening for the museum is planned for next summer.
For more details visit the Comic-Con Museum website.
