On the third Tuesday of every month, Balboa Park (1549 El Prado) opens 4 museums and the Japanese Friendship Garden to the the public for free. The museums are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

San Diego Art Institute's "most visible activity focuses on showcasing the work of San Diego emerging area visual artists through a program of over 30 juried shows a year..."

http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/jul/17/28157/

San Diego Museum of Art is currently exhibiting a collection of German Expressionism, 15th century gothic tapestries, and imaginative work by Yinka Shonibare.

http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/jul/17/28159/

San Diego Museum of Man is currently featuring Instruments of Torture, an exhibit on skate culture in North America, and special photography in addition to its core exhibits which include the anthropological Footsteps Through Time: Four Million Years of Human Evolution, and more. The free admission applies only to the core exhibits, but special exhibit tickets can be purchased for $7-20.

Mingei International Museum "reveals the beauty of use in folk art, craft and design from all eras and cultures of the world." Current exhibits include Japanese prints from the early 20th century, contemporary Japanese ceramics, and Hats and Headdresses.

http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/jul/17/28161/

Japanese Friendship Garden is "a premiere nonprofit organization that will build friendships by demonstrating the universal appeal of Japanese aesthetic sensibilities and views of nature." The garden is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/jul/17/28163/