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Bucket list experience:

Gallery and paintings inside the SFMOMA

© Joe Fletcher. Courtesy of SFMOMA

Last updated: 01 April, 2023
Expert travel writer: Laura Kiniry

From its myriad of art museums to its on-the-rise-again street art, there’s no shortage of stand-out artwork in San Francisco.

Nearly everything about the city has an artistic edge. There’s the exquisite Art Deco beauty of the Golden Gate Bridge, and the colourful heart sculptures – which debuted in 2004 – that still dot the streets in spots like the Lyon Street Steps and SOMA’s Moscone Center.

The city is home to several world-class art museums, including the Museum of Modern Art and the De Young Museum for fine art.

For showcasing local artistic talent, there are top-quality independent art galleries and special events such as SF Open Studios, the spring Art Market and the DIY Renegade Craft Fair.

Long line on free Museum day to the Asian Art Museum
Experience

Asian Art Museum

San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)

Home to one of the most comprehensive collections of Asian art on the planet, this Civic Center locale exhibits everything from future fantasy animations to Chinese jade carvings from more than 6,000 years ago.

Best for ages: 13+ | £15

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exterior entrance to Contemporary Jewish-Museum, San francisco
Experience

Contemporary Jewish Museum

San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)

With no permanent collection, San Francisco’s CJM offers ever-changing exhibits highlighting the Jewish culture and its complexities. It’s housed in a historic Pacific Gas & Electric substation that’s been modernly redesigned with elements of Jewish symbolism.

Best for ages: 18+ | £12

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De Young Museum

San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)

A highly regarded art collection showcasing American art from the 17th-21st centuries, as well as international contemporary art, costumes and textiles.

Best for ages: 18+ | £12

Interior of Legion of Honor Museum
Experience

Legion of Honor

San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)

A Beaux Arts replica of Paris’ Legion of Honor Palace of all things, this art museum houses a collection of European and ancient art that spans over 6,000 years of artistic creation. The sister museum to the De Young.

Best for ages: 18+ | £10

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Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The city’s South of Market (SOMA) neighbourhood is the main art museum hub, with the SF Museum of Modern Art (MOMA), the Contemporary Jewish Museum, Museum of the African Diaspora, and the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, all within several easy-to-walk blocks.

Although spread out, the bulk of San Francisco’s art galleries are also located in SOMA, and between, Union Square and the Tenderloin. See the Art Collection website for comprehensive listings. The San Francisco Art Dealers Association is another good resource.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art General Admission Ticket

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art General Admission Ticket

San Francisco

SFMOMA was founded in 1935 as the first West Coast museum devoted to modern and contemporary art. Today, it stands as an icon of San Francis...

$25 | Rating 4.25 / 5 [111 ratings]

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Art and Architecture Walking Tour of Union Square and Chinatown

Art and Architecture Walking Tour of Union Square and Chinatown

San Francisco

We actually go INSIDE 16 different venues including select art galleries with mosaics, sculpture and iconic photographs. Explore Renaissance...

$35 | Rating 4.64 / 5 [17 ratings]

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San Francisco: Mission District Small Group Mural Art and Food Tour

San Francisco: Mission District Small Group Mural Art and Food Tour

San Francisco

On this San Francisco walking tour, your small group will explore Mission District murals, handicrafts, and some of the best cuisine in San ...

$79 | Rating 4.37 / 5 [8 ratings]

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Mission: Street Art and Food Tour in San Francisco

Mission: Street Art and Food Tour in San Francisco

San Francisco

Street Art? Latin food? Hipster? What more can you ask for! HIGHLIGHTS: +Taste a taco from the best taqueria in town! + See the oldest bu...

$85 | Rating 5 / 5 [21 ratings]

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

St Regis San Francisco

San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)

A high-gloss city hotel full of luxe creature comforts, including butlers at guests’ beck-and-call. The best of the top-end luxury hotels in San Francisco.

Official star rating:

Hotel Triton

San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)

Artsy, eclectic, and one-of-a-kind, the great value Hotel Triton stands in prime location between three distinct (and walkable) neighbourhoods: Chinatown, the Financial District, and Union Square.

Official star rating:

Phoenix Hotel

San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)

Beloved for its rock-star vibe and heated pool, this great value refurbished motor-lodge attracts a loyal clientele, despite its gritty Tenderloin surrounds.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

San Francisco

California, United States of America (USA)

Beautiful bayside city with home-grown authenticity, charmingly unique neighbourhoods and excellent locally-driven food.

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