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Art Museums in San Francisco

THE 10 BEST San Francisco Art Museums

Art Museums in San Francisco

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What travelers are saying

  • jjTV
    Vienna, Austria152 contributions
    Classical Art Spot
    The building itself is a hot-spot. Additionally to the art exhibition, take some time to enjoy the surroundings.
    Review of: Legion of Honor
    Written January 9, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Dan de Padua
    Metro Manila, Philippines211 contributions
    Beautiful exhibition space
    We couldn't get tickets to the featured exhibition, only to regular exhibits which did not quite reach the level of those in the MoMA in New York. I thought that the Pritzker photography exhibit alone, however, was worth the $25 price of admission. Special shout out to the Filipino docent who was kind enough to explain some of the optical illusions in her section.
    Review of: San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)
    Written December 31, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • travelingbloom11
    20 contributions
    Very Thorough and Excellent Museum
    Amazing museum! It has great artifacts and history through the ages and you can see the evolution and change. Great to get perspective on the unique dynamics and changes of Asia and the influences that impact modern day. Starting on the 3rd floor to the 1st was a suggestion for chronological order. Very good special exhibit and contemporary art. Highly recommend!
    Review of: Asian Art Museum
    Written December 11, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Esme
    1 contribution
    Small house, big experience
    Greg shared with us (I was touring the location with my boyfriend and another pair) the story of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, on of the ancient wonders of the world, in where the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar II planted those gardens, with plants from different parts of the world in order for his lover Amytis' to ease her homesickness and to keep her with him. Indeed a huge demonstration of love and devotion.

    This is exactly how I felt when we entered this location for the "Down the Rabbit Hole" tour. I sensed that different and beautiful elements from all over the world have been brought to this house to delight our eyes and enrich our souls to ease our desire to travel and sense things far and wide. Can't wait to book for "Riddle of the Sphinx"!
    Review of: The Gregangelo Museum
    Written December 26, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • GilB867
    Memphis, TN627 contributions
    Sweeping Views of The Bay & Bridge
    We really walked to Fort Mason to visit the Golden Gate National Recreation Area Head Quarters and Visitors Center. However the Visitors Center was under repairs and we were only able to collect a few maps and other information.

    Of note - The GGNRA H.Q. does have the entire collection of cancellation stamps for every site within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The only place that I am aware of that has the entire collection.

    Although disappointed in the visitors center we were able to enjoy some fantastic views of the bay and the golden gate bridge. Nice area where you could spend a lot of time walking or biking.
    Review of: Fort Mason Center
    Written October 28, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Juan B
    13 contributions
    Diego Rivera’s Making A Fresco
    If you want to see a Diego Rivera mural, this is his most accessible of his three San Francisco murals. It’s also very beautiful and located in a gallery that houses the occasional exhibition.
    Review of: San Francisco Art Institute
    Written April 30, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • An0nyMs
    Tucson, Arizona1,336 contributions
    Check ahead before making a special trip
    If you're only interested in cartoons you've read (that's me), you might be disappointed. The main exhibits when I was there were of Marvel Comics and Batman costumes, and I'm not a fan of either. (On the other hand, the one-hour drive to the Charles Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa was absolutely worthwhile for me.) I did really enjoy the exhibit showing how animation has been made over the years.
    Review of: Cartoon Art Museum
    Written March 13, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ivie
    1 contribution
    HR
    Visiting San Francisco is tough but when I am in the museum, It gives me a peace and helps me escape from the city life. Each art piece is unique and expressive to me
    Review of: International Art Museum of America
    Written March 18, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • The_Loup_Garou
    Phoenix, AZ166,281 contributions
    A Nice Visit in October
    A Nice Visit in October

    It had been several years, since I had visited the Museum of African Diaspora, located just off of the lobby of the St Regis Hotel - even when we had stayed at the St Regis. In October, I walked down to Mission St, just for another visit.

    The MoAD is small, but well laid out, with great signage and lighting, and though its space is limited, it manages to fit a lot of material, within its walls.

    The artwork, and art objects are beautifully displayed, and maintain a continuing theme. On this visit, there were no special exhibits, as I had encountered before, and no performances, though notices of several were displayed.

    In all, I spent about an hour, which is what I would budget, time-wise, for a visit - unless there is a program, at that time.
    Review of: Museum of the African Diaspora
    Written July 2, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • evelynsheridan
    New York City, NY36 contributions
    Great Gallery
    I saw the photographs of the rock stars from the 60's, including an upstairs pass to the orginal Abby Road photographs and more recent "pop" and political icons. The gallery staff were pleasant and low key with no pressure to buy. We were allowed to simply enjoy the display. They said they frequently handle this type of material.
    Review of: San Francisco Art Exchange LLC
    Written July 7, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ImaMY
    San Francisco, CA1,480 contributions
    An exhibit worth visiting
    There is now an exhibit commemorating 40 years of the museum. All rooms are opened, lots of paintings and a few sculptures. If you like contemporary art, you will love the exhibit.

    If using public transit, figure out how to get to bus 43, it goes through Park Presidio, the ride itself is beautiful, and it's a short flat walk to the museum. Don't forget to stop and look at Golden Gate bridge.

    There are several restaurants now opened in the same row as Greens, but if you want something quick, there is a coffee shop if you go from the museum through the book store. In the nice weather, take food outside, there are tables and benches.
    Review of: Museo Italo Americano
    Written October 28, 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • marthaespitia
    San Jose, CA1 contribution
    it was fun!
    Nice experience. we took many photos! I recommend this place to everyone who love to take photos. the 3 D are amazing.
    Review of: Museum of 3D Illusions
    Written January 2, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • keith
    Portland, OR16 contributions
    No longer open
    Per their website: "Our Fort Mason Center location is permanently closed. We currently do not have an exhibition space. Temporary exhibits and events will be announced shortly."
    Review of: The Mexican Museum
    Written June 5, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • VoyageConsciente
    San Francisco, CA68 contributions
    Creative, informative and fun!
    We held our son's 4th birthday party at the de Young and it was fantastic. We had a private docent tour of the amazing African mask exhibit. Afterwards, our group gathered in a private art room on upper floor with one of resident children's artists. Materials were provided for each child to make their own mask. We had a mask cake made and the invitations were themed as well.

    Each of our guests commented on what a great time they had and how much they appreciated the warm welcome the children received.

    We also attended several weekend workshops for Art for Children and that was fantastic as well. They clearly value all their members, young or old.
    Review of: Art for Children at the de Young Museum
    Written February 17, 2014
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Phil
    La Coruna, Spain2,359 contributions
    Interesting Photos
    Small exhibitions of photographs of the local area in the gilded age. Free entry. 5 $ donation suggested. Next to the the Walt Disney Family museum. Bus 43 stop right outside (5$ day ticket on the MUNI app.)
    Review of: Society of California Pioneers
    Written March 7, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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