Entries in this list are generally according to Santa Clara Valley. You can take the kids to the Cartoon Art Museum, and get hands-on at the Exploratorium. The museum is totally free to the public and hosts events, movies, plays, lectures, exhibits, and classes for ages three and up. from the safety of your planetarium seat, take a virtual safari in African Hall, or climb into . About Us | California Academy of Sciences San Francisco museums inspire wonder and amazement in their visitors who are confronted with a bevy of exhibits that introduce them to worlds and characters they never knew existed before. Art Museums in San Francisco Enter dates Filters 2 Attractions Traveler favorites All things to do Category types Attractions Day Trips Concerts & Shows Food & Drink Events Classes & Workshops Types of Attractions Museums Fun & Games Museums Art Galleries Specialty Museums Art Museums History Museums & up & up Downtown San Francisco SoMa On our list, weve included the best of San Franciscos museum offerings, for a range of budgets. We're an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and natural history museum in the heart of San Francisco's Golden Gate Parkand a powerful voice for biodiversity . They offer tours of both the Museum and the surrounding Chinatown community. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA). Although Fort Point never saw battle, the building has tremendous significance due to its military history, architecture, and association with maritime history. Museum Hack leads small group, VIP museum tours that are fun, fast-paced and surprisingly cool. Here are some of the "must see" items at Contemporary Jewish Museum. Visitors can picture what it was like to be Chinese in San Francisco during the gold rush, transcontinental railroad construction and Beat heyday in this excellent museum, originally built as Chinatowns YWCA in 1932. If youre tight on time, follow the mapped trail of masterworks; parents can pick up Explorer Cards for kids to find favorite animals and characters in the galleries. San Francisco is not just a fun city, but it's also full of culture. Watch as drag star Honey Mahogany takes GayCities inside The Stud and chats about preserving the legendary queer club for future generations. Peruse the work of painters, textile artists, technologists, and sculptors at the Museum of Craft and Design, a small, contemporary museum with a frequently rotating list of exhibits. The Museum of Craft and Design (MCD) was founded in 2004. Here are some of the "must see" items at San Francisco Arts Commission Gallery. Events / One of the largest Modern Art Museums in the United States, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is a wonderful place to visit. See below to find the right membership for you or renew. Here are some of the "must see" items at Aquarium of the Bay. Hours & Admission | California Academy of Sciences Best Museums San Francisco, CA - Last Updated June 2023 - Yelp Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions. Originally gifted to the city by a millionaire art collector, the Asian Art Museum houses one of the most comprehensive Asian art collections in the world. Enjoy the calm atmosphere and the fantastic Art from a verity of artists. Here are some of the "must see" items at The Lab . World-class aquariums, interactive science exhibits, and diverse art collections make San Franciscos museums a must for any visitor. Muse Mcanique is a private museum located on Pier 45 at the foot of Taylor Street in San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf. San Francisco Museums - General Information, Times & Prices Lovely little museum with everything a kid could want: , rocks, hands on experiences, model trains, and a and would definitely recommend this one if you go to SF. Plus, it's free! Neighborhoods / The Outer Sunset sparkles with many hidden gems. Explore the dining diversity on the western side of San Francisco. Visit Us at Pier 15, San Francisco | Exploratorium About SFMOMA View on map 415.357.4000 Contact Us. 49 Best Museums in San Francisco (2023) - Top Bay Area Museums - Holidify After a second visit, we made a deal (shipping included). It offers workshops and exhibits focused on getting children to produce their own media through various interactive, creative processes such as stop motion animation, programming robots, music video production, design challenges, art projects, and more. The collection and exhibitions span the migration of Africans across history, from the diaspora at the origin of human existence through the contemporary African Diaspora around the world. The three-story, 63,000-square-foot museum showcases a vibrant range of group shows and rotating exhibitions. Wed Closed. Opened in 2009, it was founded by the Walt Disney Family Foundation and overseen by Disneys daughter, Diane Disney Miller. Of course, the fantastic SFMOMA and de Young in Golden Gate Park have helped it make a name for itself as a cultural capital, but theres a whole load of smaller, lesser-known and often more niche museums to discover here too. Wattis Institute for Contemporary Arts is a nonprofit exhibition venue and research institute dedicated to contemporary art and ideas. Artistically, YBCA is decidedly cutting edgepresenting and exhibiting work by artists who are pushing the boundaries of their art in form and/or content. Top 10 Free Museums Kid-Friendly Open Late Included in Tourist Passes Things to Do in San Francisco TOP 10 SAN FRANCISCO MUSEUMS California Academy of Sciences The California Academy of Sciences is one of the largest natural history museums in the whole world. Drop-In Art Studios and Textile Lab Gatherings are offered year-round, free with museum admission, and are programs that are fun for the whole family! The center provides free educational programming on the natural history of California sea lions, Contemporary arts center with several galleries. The museum opened in 2009 and is dedicated to showcasing the artistry, history, and craft of bookbinding. It is the oldest intact building in the City of San Francisco and the only intact Mission Chapel of 21 established under Father Serra. Here are some of the "must see" items at Wattis Institute for Contemporary Arts. Here are some of the "must see" items at Fort Point National Historic Site. Located in Yerba Buena Gardens, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) is the second most important museum of modern art in the United States after the MoMA of New York. Very Crowded with kids. Moored along Hyde Street Pier are the 1891 schooner Alma, which hosts guided sailing trips in summer, the 1890 steamboat Eureka, paddlewheel tugboat Eppleton Hall, and iron-hulled Balclutha, which once transported coal to San Francisco. The Children's Creativity Museum, located in San Francisco's Yerba Buena Gardens, is an interactive museum for children aged two through 12 years. It hosts changing exhibits about the Presidio, information about sights and activities in the park, and a bookstore. You can take the kids to the Cartoon Art Museum, and get hands-on at the Exploratorium. And check out the new kinetic sculpture in the lobby by local artist Ben Trautmanthe graceful steel, aluminum, and wood mobile mimics a bird in flight. Here are some of the "must see" items at Mission Dolores . Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. The San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Center (SFWMPAC) is comprised of the War Memorial Opera House, Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall, Herbst Theatre, The Green Room, The Wilsey Center, and Harold L. Zellerbach Rehearsal Hall. Downtown San Francisco. It is one of the few museums focused exclusively on documenting the history, art, and culture of the African diaspora. Amusement park games, memorabilia, pinball machines, antique amusement devices, live magic shows, a hand-carved miniature circus, side show acts, miniature dioramas, Fascination games, historic exhibits, closed in 1997, building tours by appointment, group working to establish new museum. Natural history and environmental education center with an aviary and over 50 non-releasable native animals, formerly the Coyote Point Museum, 43-room country estate with 16-acre (6.5ha) formal garden, Vintage and futuristic aircraft, prototypes, photographic displays and models, Changing exhibitions of work by outstanding artists of the Greater Bay Area, History of San Mateo County including natural resources, immigration, important figures, industries, maritime history, South San Francisco Historical Society Museum, 1925 Craftsman-style house, Morgan Gallery in the carriage house features exhibits of local history, Education center and exhibit hall on regional and California history, part of. Tickets It features interactive galleries that include early drawings and animation, movies, music, listening stations, and a 12-foot diameter model of Disneyland. The collections on display at Octagon House Museum represent decorative arts of the American Colonial and Federal periods. The museums' displays follow the evolution and migration of Asian art from West to East, along with Buddhist pilgrimage trails and trade routes toward San Francisco. See Elton John on the piano or strike a pose next to Marilyn Monroe for photo ops as , 175 Jefferson Street The Muse Mcanique is a collector's dream come true! SFMOMA - San Francisco Museum of Modern Art Learn about the ecological inspirations behind the textile Paradise Valley, Mount Rainer., By Laura L. Camerlengo, in conversation with Madelyn Shaw and Michael Fehr. Downstairs, watch Beat-era films. Legion of Honor, 2022. The ticket price includes the ferry transportation service provided by Alcatraz Cruises, the cellhouse audio tour provided by the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, and the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act fee. Cal Academy is an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and natural history museum wrapped into one. From the splashing penguins in the African Hall to the wildflowers on the roof, the building is bursting with life. de Young, 2019. Hotels / It's at the end of the park. Don't miss: Outside, take a spin on the ornate LeRoy King Carousel, a storied relic originally constructed in 1906. Check their calendar for upcoming exhibitions. Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts (MCCLA) is a multicultural, multidisciplinary arts organization located in San Francisco's Mission District. We are familiar with the pricing on these pieces by other galleries, and felt that Eric gave us a very fair price. Focused on southwestern part of Alameda County, the museum has exhibits, walking tours, and classes. 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. San Francisco Music Hall of Fame - SF (Tenderloin) - Open - Immersive gallery/museum of 90+ Bay Area music . 20 Must-Visit Museums in San Francisco (Updated 2023) This eye-popping art and science museum located at Pier 15 mesmerizes kids and adults alike. With such fun activities as trying out a punk hairdo, courtesy of the static-electricity station, its one museum children wont want to leave. Here youll find free options alongside the higher-end. The Conservatory of Flowers is a national, state and local landmark located in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. You should definitely drop by - they always have one good exhibit up. San Francisco, CA 94118. Its exhibits are all about the San Francisco cable car system. The Museum of the African Diaspora is located in the heart of San Franciscos Yerba Buena arts district. Glimpse infinity in the Morrison Planetarium and check out the Giants of Land and Sea exhibit, where you can brave an earthquake simulation, virtually climb a giant redwood tree and get lost in a fog room. Features six contemporary photographers who share a special affinity with their subjects. Membership Join Our Community So keep it. World-changing science. We went to the Planetarium Friday end of July. The museum was founded in 1984. A post shared by Randall Museum (@randallmuseum). Spanning 6,000 years of human history, visitors to Asian Art Museum can enjoy beautiful paintings, sculptures, furniture, textiles, and armororiginating from Turkey, China, India, Japan, the Philippines and other Asian cultures. It was constructed in 1886 by Jewish immigrants. Global architecture firm Snohetta designed SFMOMA's ambitious new addition in 2016, making it one of the largest modern art museums in the country. This page was last edited on 8 June 2023, at 00:52. Thats the sound of the cables pulling the cars, and they all connect inside the citys historic Washington and Mason Cable Car Barn. The artwork was amazing. These galleries include Human Phenomena, Tinkering, Seeing & Listening, Living Systems, Outdoor Exhibits and Observing Landscapes. Address. These are some of San Francisco's most important museums: Built in 1943, SS Jeremiah O'Brien is a merchant ship that was part of the fleet of 6,000 boats that assaulted the beaches during the Normandy Landings. Very Nice Contemporary Art Gallery - Eden Art - San Francisco, I enjoyed looking at the contemporary art that is on display and for sale at the Eden Art Gallery, The gallery is located in the Fisherman Wharf area of San Francisco, Review of: Ripley s Believe It or Not! A non-profit, artist-run exhibition and performance space in West Oakland. We look forward to seeing you soon! The collection highlights the experiences of the Chinese in America. The Cable Car Museum was established in 1974. Book effortlessly online with Tripadvisor! Compare Ansel Adamss images with contemporary photographs of the same sights. History of defensive missiles that protected San Francisco and other major cities in the United States. Be the architect of your own trip as you discover the best things to do in the USA through insider tips, suggested itineraries and handy maps. The Museum of Russian Culture was established in 1948 at the Russian Center in San Francisco to promote Russian culture and collect materials about its influence on American culture. As you trek from attraction to attraction through San Francisco, detour off the beaten path to some of these hidden gems. The Center researches and educates the public on the colony of wild California sea lions that now permanently live in this unusual urban setting (the docks off Pier 39). Though the 20,000-square-foot space is relatively small, the lens is broad, examining African ancestry from a historic and contemporary angle. 1. de Young Museum Museums Art and design Golden Gate Park Located in the middle of Golden Gate Park, this 125-year-old museum specializes in art from Africa, Oceania, and the Americas. Hours. The Contemporary Jewish Museum (CJM) is located in the South of Market (SoMa) neighborhood of San Francisco. San Francisco Fire Department Museum is a small, free museum located in San Francisco's Pacific Heights neighborhood. The HaasLilienthal House is San Francisco's only Victorian house museum. Home to an aquarium, planetarium, natural history museum, and world-class research and educational programs, the California Academy of Sciences is one of San Francisco's must-see destinations. Public concerts are presented each weekend on Saturday and Sunday at 4 p.m. MoAD showcases the history, art, and cultural richness that resulted from the dispersal of Africans throughout the Africa Diaspora. You'll probably need about two to three hours to visit the whole island. The Exploratorium is far more than a museum; it's a unique place where both adults and children alike can explore the world through science. You'll find museums here tracing the citys history from its earliest days, when the bay was filled with sailing ships bringing gold-seekers to America, as well as its idiosyncratic history over the intervening centuries. Dj vu! Its collection is focused on the life and legacy of Walt Disney. Every purchase directly supports the collections and exhibitions of the de Young and Legion of Honor museums in San Francisco, CA. Here are some of the "must see" items at The Presidio . The ship is now a National Historic Landmark and museum with a permanent home at Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco. Appropriate at the rate. As the sun goes down, this famou, Madame Tussauds San Francisco isn't your typical old wax museum. Walt Disney Family Museum exterior view The Academy is open 365 days a year! The downtown San Francisco neighborhood of Yerba Buena is among the best places to stay in San Francisco, especially for museum buffs. Here are some of the "must see" items at Museum of the African Diaspora. Here are some of the "must see" items at San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. San Francisco's 10 best museums for culture lovers - Lonely Planet The Asian Art Museum is located in the heart of San Francisco, directly opposite the San Francisco Civic Center. We encourage you to reserve your tickets in advance of your visit. Legion of Honor. Global architecture firm Snohetta designed SFMOMA's ambitious new addition in 2016, making it one of the largest modern art museums in the country. Here are some of the "must see" items at San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco to Receive Significant Gift of 19th- and 20th-Century American Art By Maximilano Durn July 27, 2023 5:10pm Photo Randy Dodson/2023 Calder Foundation, New. Afterwards, our group gathered in a private art room Our guide, Camille, was down-to-earth and her enthusiasm for the collection, which includes books, periodicals, type Stop by and support this store! What to See and Do San Francisco Museums San Francisco is not just a fun city, but it's also full of culture. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7eeb383b0ac5452e most comprehensive collection of Asian art, How to get around San Francisco: the dos and a definite don't, San Franciscos back streets and alleyways hide marvelous surprises, 16 of the best things to do in San Francisco, 12 essential sites to learn about Asian American history, The best time to visit California, from spring wildflowers to the autumn crush, The best things to do in California that no one has told you about yet, A reason to travel to San Francisco this month: the new Institute of Contemporary Art, 9 US cities that do Da de Muertos right and when to go in 2022, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. SFO Museum Louis A. Turpen Aviation Museum and Library, San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Center, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, Military Intelligence Service Historic Learning Center, Academy of Art University Automobile Museum. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. The museum promotes hands-on learning through exhibits and classes in science, nature and art to all ages. They host various curated exhibitions throughout the year. Cute Gallery with wonderful staff. Here are some of the "must see" items at Sea Lion Center. Here are some of the "must see" items at California Academy of Sciences. THE 10 BEST San Francisco Museums - Tripadvisor Here are some of the "must see" items at Military Intelligence Service Historic Learning Center. Together, the de Young in Golden Gate Park and the Legion of Honor in Lincoln Park make up the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, the largest public arts institution in the city and one of the largest art museums in the United States. Located across from the famous Transamerica Building, the Pacific Heritage Museum celebrates the heritage and achievements of the people living along the Pacific Rim. Whether youre a seasoned art buff or just looking for a fun day out, here are the best museums in San Francisco right now. Legion of Honor is one of the most important museums in San Francisco. The facility will showcase permanent and rotating exhibitions featuring mockup barracks and classrooms as well as display over 10,000 artifacts, documents, and objects from their Japanese American Military collection. The 600-plus exhibits have buttons to push, handles to crank and dials to adjust, all made by artists and scientists at the museums' in-house workshops. You may also like: How to get around San Francisco: the dos and a definite don'tTop 5 day trips from San Francisco7 breathtaking beaches in San Francisco. CHS is a great organization with wonderful programing, but not enough space to exhibit all its interesting historical items. The Visitor's Toolkit Find everything you need to plan a trip, including museum hours, upcoming events, and a shortlist of five can't-miss highlights. Rotating main-floor installations are riveting and diverse, from early Inuit carvings to documentary photography from US prisons. I have enjoyed the events I've attended at the gallery. de Young & Legion of Honor Museum Stores Wed Closed Here are some of the "must see" items at USS Pampanito (SS-383). A fond tribute to the work of Walt Disney. The museum offers 45,000 square feet art art filled space with numerous revolving artists and special exhibitions. Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when youre feeling flush). The California Academy of Sciences is a aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum all under one roof! The Contemporary Jewish Museum presents exhibitions that delve into modern perspectives on Jewish history, culture, art, and thought. The Military Intelligence Service Historic Learning Center is located along Crissy Field in the Presidio of San Francisco. The Beats were a group of post-WWII artists who challenged the social norms of the 1950s. The first two floors of the museum focus on the history of the building (historic US Subtreasury Building) and includes a replication of a bank vault and a collection of rare, antique silver coins. It is also home to the San Francisco Ballet and San Francisco Opera. San Francisco Art Museums : The Official San Francisco Guide An interesting new museum with lots of information, and yes, it's free. The Sea Lion Center is adjacent to PIER 39 overlooking K-Dock in the marina. It is a non-collecting museum which means instead of having a permanent collection it curates and hosts a broad array of exhibitions each year in collaboration with other institutions. Perfectly convenient onPIER 39, the Aquarium of the Bay provides unforgettable encounters with marine life. Click to reveal At any given time there are approximately 600 hands-on interactive exhibits on the floor. How sketching can make you happier, more creative, and more connected. As they are a non-collecting institution, the museum actively collaborates with artists, designers, other museums and universities, as well as design venues and practitioners to create inspirational experiences in the world of craft and design for visitors of all ages. Don't miss: On the second floor, the 2,200-square-foot Yud Gallery soars to 65 feet high and is dotted with 36 diamond-shaped windows; that inspiring space is devoted to audio installations, performances, and special events. This was such a unique and delightful mini. Here are some of the "must see" items at Chinese Historical Society of America. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. If you have an interest in book crafts, this is a good place to spend an hour. One of the largest displays is all about the 1906 Earthquake and Fire that rocked San Francisco. Art The Best Museums in San Francisco Right Now You'll find world -class art, mind-blowing science exhibits, botanical wonders and more at the best museums in San Francisco By Daisy. Become a Member Being an SFMOMA member means extraordinary access to engaging exhibitions and installations, all while supporting the museum's mission. The first museum in the U.S. dedicated to perfume and the experience of fragrance. They host rotating temporary exhibitions, public events, and do in-depth research into the future of contemporary art. Art for All Families and Kids Guests 18 and younger always get in for free at SFMOMA! The Mission Cemetery is the only cemetery that remains within the city limits. Many of these museums encourage visitors to attend with discounted admissions on certain days, and even free admission for children and members. It is the oldest and largest archive and history center documenting the Chinese American experience in the United States. USS Pampanito, a Balao-class submarine, was a United States Navy ship, which completed six war patrols from 1944 to 1945 and served as a Naval Reserve Training ship from 1960 to 1971. I've been living in SF since 1975 so it was so great to see. Includes California Academy ofSciences and Blue & Gold Fleet Bay Cruise Adventure, plus two other attractions of your choice: Aquarium of the Bay, The Walt Disney Family Museum, The Exploratorium, or San Francisco Zoo & Gardens. Their periodicals department has a collection of Russian newspapers and magazines published all over the world by Russian emigrants. The San Francisco location has six categories: Spirt of San Francisco, History & Leaders, Sports, Music, Film, and A-List Party. A sure sign of spring in San Francisco is Japantown's beloved Cherry Blossom Festival. California Academy of Sciences 3371 Museums Venues & Event Spaces Aquariums The Terrace at this location. more. Join artist and writer Angela Hennessy for a calming meditation. Here are some of the "must see" items at International Art Museum of America. Attractions / By motorcar1. As thrilling as the exhibits is the setting: a 9-acre, glass-walled pier jutting out over San Francisco Bay, with vast outdoor areas you can explore for free. Don't miss:The Hamon observation tower on the 9th floor. THE 10 BEST San Francisco Art Museums - Tripadvisor CALIFORNIA Adriana Jones 20 May 2020 View A city overflowing with art and culture, San Francisco has many museums. A post shared by Museum of Craft and Design (@museumofcraftanddesign). The museum is located on Corona Heights Park and focuses on the cultures & environments of Bay Area SF. It includes the Hall of Antiquities, European paintings and decorative arts, a gilded Spanish ceiling, three-period rooms and more. All about eyes, medical history of taking care of the eyes. See below for detailed information on museum, holiday, and exhibit hours. The arcades are all in working condition and can be playedmost cost $.25 or $.50 apiece. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. We enjoyed seeing the various art work, Good Visit to Franklin Bowles Gallery, San Francisco. Inside, youll find 33,000 works of art, including painting, photography, architecture and design, and media arts. Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco | de Young and Legion of Honor The museum also offers a number of Italian language classes. Here are some of the "must see" items at Conservatory of Flowers. The Academy is also topped by a 2.5-acre living roof, which is a crucial part of its eco-friendly design and operations in Golden Gate Park. 2023 San Francisco Travel Association. In all, the 400,000-square-foot building contains over 26 million specimens. It is the first stand-alone museum of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender history and culture in the United States. The exhibition rooms include art from South Asia, Iran and Central Asia, Southeast Asia, the Himalayas, China, Korea, and Japan. San Francisco, CA 94103. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. 2023 Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. The views from the museum are stunning as it overlooks the Pacific Ocean, Golden Gate Bridge and much of San Francisco itself. Do toilets really flush counterclockwise in Australia? The SFO Museum was created in 1980. We paid for the VIP package and the photographer wasnt really helpful on the best way to take We had a private docent tour of the amazing African mask exhibit. Wells Fargo History Museum, A non-collecting institution, the Museum of Craft and Design is one of North Americas few institutions dedicated to contemporary practices in craft and design. Afterimages: Echoes of the 1960s from the Fisher and SFMOMA Collections, Open Ended: SFMOMA's Collection, 1900 to Now, Pan American Unity: A Mural by Diego Rivera, Susan Philipsz: Songs Sung in the First Person on Themes of Longing, Sympathy and Release, Sitting on Chrome: Mario Ayala, rafa esparza, and Guadalupe Rosales, Marshall Brown Projects: Dequindre Civic Academy, Sea Change: Photographs from the Collection, First Thursdays at SFMOMA: Free Admission for Bay Area Residents, Accin Latina: The 80s Matter in the Mission, Browse a complete list of SFMOMA exhibitions from 19202019, Sadie Barnette: The New Eagle Creek Saloon, Sightlines: Photographs from the Collection, Mythic Constructions: Carlos Mrida and Paul Klee, Contemporary Optics: Olafur Eliasson, Teresita Fernndez, and Anish Kapoor, Amalia Mesa-Bains: Venus Envy, Chapter I and Madrinas y Hermanas (Godmothers and Sisters), 2023 San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Together, the de Young and Legion of Honor make up San Franciscos largest public arts institution.