MCRD Command Museum, San Diego
Photos courtesy of MCRD San Diego Command Museum, 2018. Used with permission. (Page updated 6/27/24 SLP)
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Museum Overview
On November 10th, 1987, The MCRD San Diego Command Museum opened its doors due to the hard work of Marine veterans, their families, and friends of the Marine Corps. Since its opening, the MCRD Museum has continued to expand its galleries and exhibits to cover the history of the Marine Corps in the 20th and 21st centuries, as well as the history of the Marines in Southern California.
In addition to its many galleries, the Museum also maintains a Reference Center that includes an Archives and Research Library, a theater, a Visitor Reception Center, and a gift shop. The Museum is open to the public and admission is always free. During your time at MCRD San Diego, stop by today to learn the history of the United State Marine Corps.
The museum located at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, is one of two Marine Corps museums with the designation of "Command Museum." The other Command Museum is located aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, in South Carolina. The National Museum of the Marine Corps is located on Marine Corps Base, Quantico. Our museum focuses on the eras from WWI to present and the geographical focus of Marines in Southern California. Since the museum's founding, exhibits have been changed and upgraded but our commitment to portray Marine Corps history and the values of honor, courage, and commitment has remained steadfast.
Mission
The mission of the Command Museum is to provide an educational setting that portrays the legacy of the Marine Corps for the training of recruits, continuing education of Marines, and serve as a supporting arm to the recruiting effort and a bridge to the community.
If you are interested in more information about the museum, please visit our website https://www.mcrdsd.marines.mil/Visitors/MCRDSD-Museum/ or call us at 619-524-8431.
Family Meet & Greet (Wednesday Evening)
An evening hosted at the Bay View Restaurant every Wednesday prior to Boot Camp Graduation. This is a great chance to mingle with other new Marine families, meet your son's Drill Instructors and relax on the beautiful bay on MCRD.
- Social Hour: 1700-1755
- Seated for Dinner & Welcome Announcements: 1800
- Welcome Announcements and Introduction of Drill Instructors: 1800-1830
- Dinner Buffet: 1830-2000
A three entree buffet to include pasta, chicken and beef with dessert. Formal introduction of the Senior Drill Instructors of the graduating company, an insiders insight to the graduation events and expectations, running slideshow of the graduating class sweating out the crucible, and the "Salty Dog Award."
Visitors should reserve their seat for the dinner in advance at http://www.mcrdmeetandgreet.eventbrite.com/.
Ticket Prices:
- Adult Dinner Ticket: $23.95
- Child Dinner Ticket (ages 5-11): $16.95
- Children under 5 are free
Family Day (Thursday)
On Family Day, the afternoon is a great time to visit the Museum and learn your new Marine's role in history, as you catch up and learn more about his or her time in bootcamp! The museum is ADA compliant and features an elevator at the Eastern end of the building (near the gift shop). We kindly ask that you do not bring food or drinks into the museum.There are limited places to use the restroom aboard MCRD and the museum is one of the best places to go. If you have any questions on Family Day, stop by our information desk just inside the main entrance of the museum, to grab a map or pamphlet, or ask questions.
