San Francisco is a city with an undeniable creative energy, where the past, present, and future of art collide in unique and inspiring ways. I’ve had the privilege of exploring this city’s many world-class museums and galleries. From modern and contemporary art to historical masterpieces, San Francisco offers a treasure trove of art to discover. I’ll take you on a journey through four of my favorite art institutions in the city: The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), The de Young Museum, The Contemporary Jewish Museum, and The Asian Art Museum. Each one holds a collection that is rich with meaning and beauty. I’ll walk you through my favorite pieces, provide tips for getting the most out of your visit, and share practical information that will help make your experience unforgettable.
1. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)
Location
- Address: 151 Third St, San Francisco, CA 94103
- Getting There: SFMOMA is located in the Yerba Buena neighborhood, easily accessible by public transportation, including BART (Montgomery Street Station) and Muni. It’s also a short walk from Market Street. If you’re taking the cable car, hop off at the California Street stop.
Admission
- Ticket Price: General admission is $25 for adults, $19 for seniors and students, and free for visitors under 18.
- Free Admission Days: First Tuesdays of each month, thanks to the museum’s partnership with various community programs.
- Hours: Open daily from 10 AM – 5 PM, with extended hours on Thursday and Friday until 8 PM.
My Experience at SFMOMA
The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is a true gem in the heart of the city. It’s not just a place to view art—it’s an immersive experience. The building itself is a work of art, designed by architecture firm Snøhetta, with its sweeping staircases and expansive, open spaces that guide you from one exhibit to the next. The moment I walked in, I felt as though I had stepped into a dynamic world where art and architecture coexist in perfect harmony.
I spent hours wandering through its vast collection, which spans the 20th century to today. The variety of art forms, from painting and sculpture to photography and installations, was astounding. But three works, in particular, left a lasting impression on me.
My Favorite Works at SFMOMA
- “The Infinity Room” by Yayoi Kusama
Kusama’s immersive installation, “The Infinity Room,” is an experience unlike any other. As you step into the mirrored space, surrounded by thousands of glowing lights, you feel as though you’re in another world—a vast, endless cosmos. The kaleidoscopic effect is mesmerizing, and you can’t help but feel both tiny and infinite at the same time. It’s a moment of pure magic. - “The Dinner Party” by Judy Chicago
A groundbreaking feminist artwork, Judy Chicago’s “The Dinner Party” is a large-scale installation that celebrates the achievements of women throughout history. The piece features a triangular table with 39 place settings, each one dedicated to a famous woman from history, such as Georgia O’Keeffe and Virginia Woolf. Each setting is unique, with beautifully crafted ceramic plates, embroidered runners, and symbolic motifs that tell the stories of these influential women. As a woman and an art lover, this piece spoke to me deeply. - “Untitled” by Mark Rothko
The simplicity and beauty of Rothko’s large-scale color fields never fail to move me. Standing in front of “Untitled”, I was enveloped by the deep, meditative colors that Rothko used to express the human condition. The layers of color seem to vibrate on the canvas, pulling you in. It’s a deeply emotional experience, and I found myself reflecting on the power of minimalism in art.
Recommended Works at SFMOMA
- “Pulpit” by Richard Serra
This enormous, curved steel sculpture demands attention. The sheer scale of it is awe-inspiring, and as you walk around it, the angles and shadows shift, creating a dynamic visual experience. It’s an example of Serra’s mastery in transforming industrial materials into thought-provoking art. - “Self-Portrait” by Cindy Sherman
Sherman’s series of photographs, where she embodies different characters and personas, challenges the concepts of identity and self-representation. “Self-Portrait” is an insightful commentary on the roles women play in society, and Sherman’s ability to morph into these varied personas is truly fascinating. - “The Dying Gaul” (Roman Copy)
This ancient sculpture, a Roman copy of a Greek original, represents the dramatic and emotional intensity of classical sculpture. The depiction of the warrior, with his expression of pain and death, is a timeless representation of human suffering and resilience.
2. The de Young Museum
Location
- Address: 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118
- Getting There: The de Young Museum is located in Golden Gate Park, a beautiful area with plenty of green spaces and attractions. You can easily reach it by bus (Lines 5 and 7) or by walking from the California Academy of Sciences, which is just across the park.
Admission
- Ticket Price: General admission is $15, with discounts for students and seniors. Admission is free for San Francisco residents on the first Tuesday of every month.
- Hours: Open Tuesday-Sunday from 9:30 AM – 5:15 PM, and closed on Mondays.
My Experience at The de Young Museum
The de Young Museum is a treasure trove of American art, textiles, and contemporary pieces, set amidst the stunning beauty of Golden Gate Park. The building itself is striking—designed by Herzog & de Meuron, with its copper facade that catches the light in mesmerizing ways. It’s a space that feels as much a part of the landscape as the art it houses.
My visit was one of those perfect days where everything about the experience clicked: the art, the setting, the energy of the museum. I felt as though I was walking through a living, breathing exhibition that evolved with each room.
My Favorite Works at The de Young Museum
- “The Crucifixion” by Diego Rivera
Diego Rivera’s painting is both dramatic and powerful. The depiction of Christ’s crucifixion is full of energy and intensity, with bold brushstrokes and a vibrant color palette that conveys deep emotion. It’s a perfect example of Rivera’s ability to combine social realism with religious symbolism. - “The Red Studio” by Henri Matisse
Matisse’s “The Red Studio” is a brilliant exploration of color and space. The stark contrast of red with the subtle figures of his studio creates a striking composition that invites you to dive into the artist’s personal world. I could’ve stood there for hours, just studying the little details in the scene. - “The Fall of Icarus” (Studio Version) by Robert Gober
A fascinating modern take on Greek mythology, this piece captures the moment of Icarus’ fall, with delicate attention to detail and an eerie quality that makes you reflect on the fragility of life.
Recommended Works at The de Young Museum
- “A Case for the Museum” by Julie Mehretu
This modern abstract work challenges the traditional structure of a museum and provides a thought-provoking look at the institution itself. The layered forms and abstract shapes create a visual narrative that made me reconsider what art can represent. - “A Thousand Words” by Kehinde Wiley
Known for his vibrant portraits that blend traditional and modern themes, Kehinde Wiley’s piece, “A Thousand Words”, stood out for its blend of historical portraiture and contemporary motifs. The colors pop off the canvas, and the power of the imagery is undeniable. - “The Garden of Earthly Delights” by Hieronymus Bosch (Reproduction)
While Bosch’s original masterpiece is housed in Madrid, The de Young Museum’s reproduction captures the intricate details of the triptych perfectly. The surreal imagery, lush colors, and complex symbolism make it a fascinating piece to explore.
3. The Contemporary Jewish Museum
Location
- Address: 736 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103
- Getting There: The museum is located near the Yerba Buena neighborhood and can be easily accessed via BART (Montgomery Station) or Muni.
Admission
- Ticket Price: General admission is $15, with discounts for students and seniors.
- Hours: Open Wednesday-Sunday from 11 AM – 5 PM.
My Experience at The Contemporary Jewish Museum
This museum is a hidden gem. It’s not just a place to view art—it’s a space for deep reflection on culture, history, and the modern Jewish experience. The architecture of the building, designed by Daniel Libeskind, is itself a work of art, with its angular forms and unique design elements. My visit here was filled with moments of both awe and introspection.
My Favorite Works at The Contemporary Jewish Museum
- “The Ninth Hour” by Kiki Smith
This installation by Kiki Smith is both haunting and beautiful. The figure of a woman kneeling, bathed in light, evokes a sense of spiritual reflection. It left me thinking about themes of suffering, redemption, and grace. - “Falling Star” by Liliana Porter
A whimsical yet thought-provoking piece, Porter’s work combines humor and tragedy. The imagery of a star falling from the sky, broken and fragile, reminds us of the fragility of life and the passage of time. - “The Holocaust Project” by Judy Chicago
A deeply moving and powerful installation, this work chronicles the horrors of the Holocaust. The stark, brutal imagery is both shocking and poignant, and it left me feeling profoundly affected.
4. The Asian Art Museum
Location
- Address: 200 Larkin St, San Francisco, CA 94102
- Getting There: Located near City Hall, you can easily reach the museum by Muni or BART (Civic Center Station).
Admission
- Ticket Price: General admission is $15, with discounts for seniors and students. Admission is free on the first Tuesday of each month.
- Hours: Open Wednesday-Sunday from 10 AM – 5 PM.
My Experience at The Asian Art Museum
This museum is a celebration of Asia’s diverse artistic heritage, and it’s one of the largest collections of Asian art outside of Asia itself. The museum’s beautiful architecture creates a calm, meditative space where you can take your time to appreciate the art.
My Favorite Works at The Asian Art Museum
- “The Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara”
This ancient sculpture of the Buddhist deity is serene and powerful. The delicate features and calm expression invite contemplation. The piece embodies the compassion and wisdom that Avalokiteshvara represents. - “Stupa” by Anish Kapoor
Kapoor’s large-scale sculpture is a fascinating exploration of form and space. The reflection of light and the depth of the piece draw you in, creating an almost otherworldly experience. - “Chinese Scholar’s Rock”
This stunning natural rock, carefully selected for its beauty, is a perfect representation of Chinese aesthetics. The rock’s organic forms evoke the beauty of nature, and its presence in the gallery creates a sense of peace and tranquility.
San Francisco’s art scene is truly remarkable. Whether you’re a fan of contemporary art, traditional works, or something in between, this city has a museum for you. From the mesmerizing exhibits at SFMOMA to the thought-provoking installations at The Contemporary Jewish Museum, each institution offers a unique perspective on art, culture, and history. Visiting these museums not only provides an opportunity to see incredible art but also to connect with the cultural fabric of the city itself.