Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego

Friday, August 7 will be a celebratory evening offering one of the final opportunities to experience the landmark exhibition before it concludes its acclaimed West Coast debut 

San Diego, CA - July 13, 2026 — After hosting the West Coast debut and introducing thousands of museum-goers to one of the most significant exhibitions of Black contemporary art ever presented in San Diego, the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) will celebrate the final weekend of Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys with a special Closing Celebration on Friday, August 7, from 5pm-10pm. The evening will bring together music, art, and community for a dynamic, multi-stage experience honoring the exhibition’s remarkable run in San Diego.  

Since the show’s opening at MCASD in April, Giants has become a defining cultural moment for San Diego, bringing together more than 100 works of art by leading Black artists from the personal collection of music and cultural icons Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys. Through themes of Black creativity, joy, resilience, identity, and legacy, the exhibition has sparked meaningful conversations while introducing audiences to one of the country’s most celebrated private collections of contemporary art. The Closing Celebration offers visitors a last chance to experience the exhibition while enjoying a vibrant program that captures the spirit of Giants that made it such a standout moment in the Museum’s recent history.  

Reflecting the exhibition's celebration of artistic innovation and cultural expression, the evening’s programming will feature a headlining performance by Joe Kay, the visionary founder of Soulection and globally recognized DJ. The celebration will also feature a lineup curated by cultural tastemaker and DJ, Sasha Marie starting at 6pm. The evening will begin with a lowrider showcase by David “Mr. Bizar” Saavedra at the front entrance of the museum, where guests will be able to explore the cars during the entire event. 

Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in a special conversation, presented by ArtLeadHer, a platform dedicated to amplifying women in the art world, at 5:30pm. Independent curator Mashonda Tifrere will moderate the conversation with Lisane Basquiat, sister and co-administrator of renowned artist Jean-Michel Basquiat’s estate. This conversation will explore artistic legacy, collecting, and the lasting influence of Black artists whose work continues to shape contemporary culture. Jean-Michel Basquiat’s “Untitled (Langston Hughes), 1983” is one of the many pieces of art featured in Giants. 

As the exhibit’s West Coast debut will officially close on Sunday, August 9, this public Closing Celebration offers a final opportunity to experience the groundbreaking exhibition alongside music, conversation, and community. Free admission will be offered all day on Sunday, August 9 to celebrate the closing of Giants at MCASD. 

Tickets for the Closing Celebration will go on sale on Friday, July 17 at 12pm PT. The ticket price will be $65 with MCASD members receiving a discount. Tickets can be purchased online here. 

ABOUT GIANTS  
Organized by the Brooklyn Museum in 2024, Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys will feature 37 Black American and diasporic artists from Africa, Europe, the United States, and the Caribbean whose monumental works tower in both scale, conceptual depth and technical skill. The Deans have fostered meaningful relationships with the wide array of artists included in the exhibition and the mission of Giants is a testament to their philosophy: “By the artists, for the artists, with the people.” The exhibition’s run at MCASD is the inaugural display of the collection on the West Coast.  

ABOUT MCASD   
The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) is the region’s foremost forum devoted to the exploration and presentation of the art of today. Open since 1941, the Museum invites people to reflect on their lives, communities, and the ever-changing world through the powerful prism of contemporary art. Located along the ocean in the beautiful coastal community of La Jolla — MCASD showcases an internationally-recognized collection. Its dynamic exhibition schedule features a vast array of media in an unprecedented variety of spaces, along with a growing dedication to community experiences and public programs.    

VISIT   
700 Prospect St, La Jolla, 92037 | www.mcasd.org | @mcasandiego    

PRESS CONTACTS
Matthew Van Court | Katalyst PR | matthew@katalyst-pr.com | 858-472-6937
Melissa Zuazo, PR & Outreach Coordinator | mzuazo@mcasd.org | 858-366-4264
Lena Shareef, Director of Marketing Communications | lshareef@mcasd.org | 619-782-019