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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 travellers are saying

  • Princess
    Washington DC, DC187 contributions
    Lovely
    Beautiful both inside AND outside... with the latter being quite scenic! Great little collections of art here, would revisit.
    Review of: Legion of Honor
    Written 13 July 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Honey
    United Kingdom79 contributions
    Fave museum in SF!
    Visiting SF MOMA should always be in your San Francisco bucketlist. They always feature the best artists with the best artwork. I love contemporary art and being here was very inspiring. Enjoyed my time here!
    Review of: San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)
    Written 28 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Elissa
    Los Angeles, CA575 contributions
    Great Museum, Great Service
    This is a wonderfully curated museum with a huge collection of Asian Art, a huge gift shop, and a huge special exhibition space. When I needed to change my ticket day, customer support was so helpful and quick to reissue my ticket. Everyone at the museum was very nice, and the Asian Box restaurant was great too. I'm surprised the museum was so empty!
    Review of: Asian Art Museum
    Written 11 July 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Callie F
    1 contribution
    Merlin is Magical and Magic is REAL
    We experienced the Fairy Tour led by Michelle Musser and the magical mouse Merlin. It was charming in every way, really incorporating the magic of the Gregangelo Museum and tailoring it for kids. It’s a small and very personal tour, perfect for birthday party or just a special adventure
    Review of: The Gregangelo Museum
    Written 30 July 2023
    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 28 October 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 30 April 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Paul W
    5 contributions
    A real joy
    I’m a cartoon buff and really enjoyed my quick tour of the museum. It’s small, but it has some very intricate and fantastic, superhero material.. Any cartoon or animation fan should keep an eye on its exhibits. When I attended, they were very cool, but some of the past ones have been fantastic.
    Review of: Cartoon Art Museum
    Written 7 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • tinaNtravel
    San Jose, CA1,883 contributions
    Small and nice
    We happened to walk past here and saw it open (and free) so decided to stop in and take a look. The little creek, house and lights on the ground floor is worth a picture or two! Upstairs is some artwork and sculpures from various regions, mostly Asia. There isn't a lot to see and we saw it all in about 10-15 minutes. I would not suggest going out of your way to visit, but if you are in the area, for example, arrived early for the Orpheum Theater, it is worth a walk over and look around.
    Review of: International Art Museum of America
    Written 23 July 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Expedition744636
    1 contribution
    Modern photography exhibits from African artists.
    The museum is a cozy two floors of exhibits, photographs organized by artist. The photos themselves are interesting, as are the stories of the artists who took them, and their motivations to be photographic artists.

    I misunderstood the purpose of the museum when I went there: I thought it was going to be more generally about the African Diaspora and the relationship between being of African origin and moving elsewhere. And it is, to a point. But I was expecting history and artifacts, and this is very much about living, vibrant artists, and some of their best work. My recollection is that I saw photographs from a dozen artists from all over Africa, usually living in the US now, and the typical exhibit was a handful of photographs.

    If you enjoy photography, and want to see some interesting photographic art by people of african origin or heritage, this is a good place to visit. If you're looking for older African history, less so.
    Review of: Museum of the African Diaspora
    Written 16 February 2023
    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 7 July 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ImaMY
    San Francisco, CA1,545 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 28 October 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 2 January 2020
    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 17 February 2014
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • keith
    Portland, OR23 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 5 June 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ldt43
    Toronto, Canada152 contributions
    A special and unique treasure of the vibrant San Francisco artscape
    As the previous reviewer so eloquently described, a visit to the well-preserved and managed home of the celebrated west coast conceptual artist David Ireland is a very special treat. The house and its contents are his greatest work of art. It is also a superb introduction to conceptual art in its many forms and styles.

    Small group tours must be booked online. And the artist guides are great. Counter balance your trip to the incredible new and huge SFMOMA with a visit to this modest but fascinating house in the Mission District.
    Review of: 500 Capp Street Foundation
    Written 2 November 2017
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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