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Asian Art Museum

Asian Art Museum, San Francisco: Hours, Address, Asian Art Museum Reviews: 4.5/5

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Asian Art Museum

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Asian Art Museum
4.5
1,541
#27 of 817 things to do in San Francisco
Art Museums
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Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
1:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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About
Spanning cultures from Turkey to India and China to the Philippines through 6,000 years, the collection provides a panorama of Asian art and culture. Included are over 18,000 objects ranging from tiny jades to monumental sculptures. Superb paintings, porcelains, arms and armor, furniture, textiles, and bronzes are featured.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Civic Center
Civic Center is the seat of power for all things government and performance-related in the city. Although its streets are best walked during daytime, numerous cultural gems are within close proximity to one another. The symphony, opera, ballet, and jazz center offer year round entertainment within the shadow of the city’s Beaux-Arts crown jewel: the gold tipped dome of City Hall.
How to get there
  • Civic Center • 4 min walk
  • Civic Center • 4 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
4,689 within 3 miles
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1,086
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Cajun & Creole • Vegetarian Friendly
Sam's Diner
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0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Korean • Fusion
Ananda Fuara
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0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options • Gluten Free Options
Saigon Sandwich Shop
142
0.2 mi$ • Fast Food • Asian • Vietnamese
Montesacro Pinseria
277
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Pizza • Romana
Golden Era Vegan Restaurant
169
499 ft$$ - $$$ • Asian • Vietnamese • Vegetarian Friendly
Gyro King
121
0.1 mi$ • Quick Bites • Mediterranean • Turkish
Chambers - Phoenix Hotel
102
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • American
Bourbon and Branch
487
0.4 mi$$ - $$$
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66
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Attractions
784 within 6 miles
Orpheum Theatre
372
0.1 miTheaters
San Francisco Public Library
220
446 ftLibraries
Civic Center
213
469 ftCivic Centres
Heart of the City Farmers' Market
45
404 ftFlea & Street Markets • Farmers Markets
Pioneer Monument
36
201 ftMonuments & Statues
Tenderloin People's Garden Mural
3
247 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Dragon Fortune
1
220 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
Civic Center Power House
3
230 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
San Francisco City Hall
1,033
0.2 miArchitectural Buildings • Government Buildings
Civic Center Commons
6
0.1 miNeighborhoods • Points of Interest & Landmarks
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,541 reviews
Excellent
1,022
Very good
416
Average
77
Poor
14
Terrible
12
phvi2617
Anaheim, CA279 contributions
Journey through the art of Asia
Feb 2022
This museum has a vast, comprehensive collection of Asian art spanning thousands of years and nearly every artistic medium. I really enjoyed the South Asian galleries as well as the different representations of the Buddha from across Asia.

It is recommended to book timed tickets in advance, but I was able to walk in on a Saturday afternoon. I took two hours to peruse the main galleries, but could have easily stayed longer if I had more time. A real treasure of San Francisco!
Written March 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
California_momofsix
Fairfield1,082 contributions
Peaceful place to see beautiful art
Oct 2020
My family was lucky enough to snag some free tickets for the reopening. I would definitely go back and pay for a ticket. I believe adult tickets are 15$. Due to limited capacity, you need to book your visit online ahead of time but there are plenty of spots available. We felt very safe at the museum. It was so quiet with only a few other people around, plenty of room for social distancing.
I am no expert on Asian art but I learned quite a bit and enjoyed what was on display. Currently, no paper guides are available but you can download a free app with a number of options for tours. My only minor complaint is that the online version isn't always very clear in which room to find the object described, but it was a minor inconvenience. You can either read or listen to the information.
Parking is available for a fee at the City Center garage right across the street. Cheaper after 3pm. We had a run in with the homeless on the short walk from the car to the front door, but that can happen anywhere in San Francisco at any time as we all know.
Written November 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
allaroundtheuniverse
New York City, NY31 contributions
Incredible Asian Art Collection in a Beautiful Building in the Heart of San Francisco
Nov 2020
The collections are impressive and it's a treasure to have a museum like this in the Bay Area. I definitely recommend visiting even during the pandemic, because the staff is taking safety precautions very seriously. There are only a handful of people on each floor, so it feels like you have a huge museum all to yourself.
There are some incredible collections donated by art enthusiasts, such as the Japanese bamboo baskets and sculpture collection, graciously donated to the museum by Mr. Lloyd L. Cotsen.

One tip is to download the Asian Art Museum SF app on your phone at home, open the app and make sure that all the tours are downloaded onto your phone. Get acquainted with all the audio tours, so that you can easily navigate through them while you tour the museum and see all the objects in real life, while listening to professionally narrated audio tours by the curators and other history experts. Don't forget to bring your headphones.

It's a must see museum in San Francisco!
Written November 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
TravelingSwan
Concord, CA55 contributions
Very nice museum
Sep 2020
Definitely worth a stop if you have the time. I spent almost 5v hours here and I still didn’t see everything. I love that they have a coat check so I didn’t have to walk around with my motorcycle helmet the whole time. The displays change and new things are always coming in. The museum is clean and pretty quiet. TH e-gift shop has a number of very unique things although a bit pricey. I hope to return again to see their new exhibits.
Written April 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
ashie b
Richmond, VA384 contributions
Very nice
Aug 2021
The museum is organized and easy to walk through. The interactive exhibit was really cool, we stayed there for a half hour alone. We were a bit disappointed that so much of the museum was blocked off for constructing the new exhibit, but what was left was very well put together and laid out. I wish I could've stayed longer to read everything.
Written August 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
ElTouristo61
New York City, NY2,677 contributions
One of the Best Asian Art Museums in the Country
Nov 2021 • Friends
Spanning some 6,000 years and multiple/diverse cultures, the Asian Art Museum is filled with stunning masterpieces. I had a really enjoyable time walking through the collection and learning about the pieces. This is certainly one of the best Asian art collections in the country.
Written November 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Margaret H
Oakland, CA191 contributions
Great Museum from a person who practically grew up in the Smithsonian museums
Jan 2020 • Friends
I have been here twice with very different groups of guests. Each time they have been overwhelmingly surprised at this museum. It is the perfect balance of relevant contemporary art and historic treasure. The installations and exhibits tend to focus on more current art themes. The upper levels house vast and spectacular collections organized by countries - China, Japan, and Korea. Everything is clearly labeled and explained. There are good videos augmenting some of the sections. The interior of the building is really well lit and enhances the art in very subtle ways. Highly recommend you take the elevator and start on the third floor, then work your way down.

The restaurant also houses art, and their food is unusual and delightful. There is a coat check on the ground level and all the staff/volunteers are friendly and helpful. The location is easily accessible by Civic Center BART and right across from the beautiful San Francisco City Hall. If you drive, there is a garage 1 block north of the museum on Larkin.
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Terri J
Oakland, CA8 contributions
A Great Museum, and a convenient location too.
Mar 2020
This is a fantastic, world class museum. Start at the top of the escalator and work your way down. The cafe offers a get place to grab a meal. And the Gift Shop although expensive has wonderful books, jewelry, and other souvenirs. If you do not have any background in Asian Art, I would recommend a tour.
Written February 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Debs13
4 contributions
Your Enlightened Afternoon Awaits!
Feb 2020
The Asian Art Museum has an absolutely hands down brilliant collection of Asian art. I plan on revisiting it every time I'm in SF. It's not a crowded museum but has thoughtful placements. The exhibition "Awaken: A Tibetan Buddhist Journey Toward Enlightenment" was so interesting as it was based on the history of the mandela., and, was conveyed through the museum floor plan. A must-see. Afterwards, have a cup of green tea and the garlic noodles in its cafe. Wind down and center yourself.
Written March 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
DebinSanFrancisco
Tiburon, CA296 contributions
A favorite with many exhibits and collections
Aug 2021
We were just there for an exhibit and still love this museum. It's in a great location, so you can see other buildings such as City Hall & Civic Center Plaza.

Since " Asian" spans so many countries & cultures, if you have a preference, check the site to see what the latest exhibits are. For my girlfriends and I, we enjoy them all that cover many Asian art and cultures.
Written September 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Asian Art Museum
Asian Art Museum is open:
  • Thu - Thu 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Fri - Mon 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking Asian Art Museum tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 5 Asian Art Museum tours on Tripadvisor