New Exhibits at Comic-Con Museum

 

Earlier this month I posted news and photos from the Comic-Con Museum's Doctor Who exhibit. Here is more of what's available at San Diego's fan-tastic pop culture museum!

The World Comes to Comic-Con Museum^®: New Exhibits Announced at WonderCon ^®

Lucha Libre, tokidoki Land at Museum in Early Summer; New Doctor Who Exhibit Open Now!

Yesterday at its WonderCon panel, Comic-Con Museum announced two upcoming exhibits, one highlighting the artistic world behind the fan-favorite Mexican pro-wrestling form, lucha libre, and the other celebrating 20 years of Japanese-inspired art and collectibles with tokidoki. Recently dubbed the 2025 “Best Pop Culture Museum” by USA Today 10Best Reader’s Choice Awards, the Museum is bringing all-new exhibits that represent some of the most celebrated popular art forms from around the world. 

 

The international focus continues, featuring its new headline exhibit Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder: Where Science Meets Fiction, which made its U.S. debut earlier this month. The exhibit invites guests to explore the iconic props, sets, costumes, and behind-the-scenes materials, as well as dive into exciting scientific topics–examined in the show and in reality–from the world’s longest-running science fiction show.

 

 

 

Scheduled to open to the public in May and June 2025, these world-premiere exhibits are original to the Museum: 

Sangre, Sudor, Myth: The Art, Culture, and Heritage of Mexican Lucha Libre
Opening May 22, 2025

Showcasing the masked legends of Mexican culture, the exhibit marks the third binational showcase the Museum will open in collaboration with the Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego. The immersive exhibit will explore the rich tapestry of lucha libre, tracing its deep roots in indigenous traditions and mythology, and its impact on popular arts and storytelling across mediums, such as movies, comics, graphic arts, and costuming. Artifacts include authentic wrestling masks from different eras, championship belts, elaborate costumes, vintage toys, and collectibles. The exhibit will honor the legendary wrestlers and historical figures who have defined this art form and continue to shape it today, with personal stories and their lasting impact on entertainment and identity. 

 

 

 

tokidoki Exhibit – Title TBA

Opening June 30, 2025

tokidoki, which translates to "sometimes" in Japanese, is an internationally recognized and iconic lifestyle brand based on the vision of Italian artist Simone Legno and his partners, serial entrepreneurs Pooneh Mohajer and Ivan Arnold. Since debuting in 2005, tokidoki has amassed a cult-like following for its larger-than-life characters and emerged as a sought-after global lifestyle brand. tokidoki offers an extensive range of products which include apparel, handbags, cosmetics, accessories, toys and more. Simone Legno, tokidoki's Chief Creative Officer, was born in Rome, Italy, and from a very young age developed a deep love of Japan and a fascination with world cultures. Combining Legno's unique talent and creativity with Mohajer's business acumen, tokidoki has grown exponentially. As an innovative company, tokidoki is known not only for its eye-popping aesthetic and criminally cute characters but also its megawatt partnerships.

 

“Simone Legno and tokidoki earned recognition and have had a big presence at Comic-Con over the years, and an exhibit at the Museum will strengthen and promote this longtime relationship,” said Museum Executive Director Rita Vandergaw. “We also look forward to our continued exhibitions sharing Mexico’s artistry and impact on the popular arts, this year through legendary lucha libre.”

Additionally, on display for a limited time, guests can visit Becoming Betty Boop (on display through June 15), Border Blitz: Artistas del Comic de Tijuana, and Collaboration(s)! A Journey with John Jennings (both on display through May 12).

 

Doctor Who fans: Check out my post on Comic-Con Museum's Worlds Of Wonder Exhibit! Geronimo!

 

Comic-Con Museum is open Thursday through Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last entry at 4 p.m. Closed on Wednesdays. Admission (adults ages 18+) is $30; children (ages 6–12) are $12; seniors (65+), students (13–17), and military are $20. Children five years of age and younger are free. Tickets can be purchased in advance at comic-con.org/museum or at the door.

About Comic-Con Museum
Comic-Con Museum is a division of San Diego Comic Convention (SDCC) a California Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation organized for charitable purposes and dedicated to creating the general public's awareness of and appreciation for comics and related popular art forms, including participation in and support of public presentations, conventions, exhibits, museums, and other public outreach activities which celebrate the historic and ongoing contribution of comics to art and culture. In addition to its San Diego convention each summer, Comic-Con (the premier comics convention of its kind in the world), SDCC organizes the Anaheim-based WonderCon each spring and the SAM: Storytelling Across Media symposium in the fall. On the web: comic-conmuseum.org, Facebook.com/ComicConMuseum, and follow us on X (@ComicConMuseum) and Instagram (@comicconmuseum).