2017-12-22 12:42:59
World-class aquariums, interactive science exhibits and some of the country’s most diverse art collections make San Francisco’s museums a must for any traveler. But seeing the magnificent collections isn’t enough, the critically acclaimed architecture features some of the most postcard-worthy views in the city. Be sure to include a stop at one (or more) of these museums during your stay. ASIAN ART MUSEUM 200 Larkin St. Located in the Civic Center neighborhood opposite City Hall, this stately museum has one of the world’s most diverse collections of art and objects from across the Asian continent. Spanning 6,000 years of human history, visitors can enjoy beautiful paintings, sculptures, furniture, textiles and armor, among other objects. CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES 55 Music Concourse Dr. Home to an aquarium, planetarium and natural history museum “all under one living roof,” the California Academy of Sciences is an institution like no other. From the splashing penguins in the African Hall to the four-story living rainforest and colorful coral reef ecosystem, there’s something to delight visitors of all ages. CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY 678 Mission St. The California Historical Society has been preserving the rich history of California for more than 140 years. Experience engaging and informative exhibits in their Yerba Buena Gardens location in the bustling SoMa neighborhood. The book store is an ideal spot to find California-centric books and gifts. CHILDREN’S CREATIVITY MUSEUM 221 Fourth St. Even if you’re not traveling with kids, the Children’s Creativity Museum is a fun way to spend the day. Filled with interactive exhibits that focus on animation, music and digital media pursuits, the museum is located opposite an historic carousel in Yerba Buena Gardens. Be sure to take a ride. CONTEMPORARY JEWISH MUSEUM 736 Mission St. The Contemporary Jewish Museum presents dynamic exhibitions and educational programs exploring modern perspectives on Jewish culture, history and ideas. DE YOUNG MUSEUM 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr. Nestled in Golden Gate Park, the de Young houses more than 27,000 works and includes an extensive collection of American art from the 17th through 21st centuries. There’s much to see, from textiles and costumes to rare paintings. Don’t miss the wraparound views of San Francisco from atop the Hamon Tower. EXPLORATORIUM Pier 15, The Embarcadero The Exploratorium is an interactive museum for all ages and boasts more than 600 hands-on exhibits. Experiment with thoughts, feelings and social behavior in the Human Phenomena Gallery; experience different types of rainstorms in the outdoor North Gallery and investigate the history, geography and ecology of the bay in the Fisher Bay Observation Gallery. LEGION OF HONOR 100 34th Ave. Built to commemorate Californian soldiers who died in World War I, the Legion of Honor is a neoclassic landmark overlooking Lincoln Park and the Golden Gate Bridge. The museum’s collection features more than 4,000 years of ancient and European art as well as the Achenbach Foundation for Graphic Arts. Don’t miss a performance on the Skinner pipe organ on weekends at 4 p.m. MUSEUM OF THE AFRICAN DIASPORA (MOAD) 685 Mission St. The Smithsonian-affiliated MoAD seeks to share the art and stories of African heritage with audiences from around the world, and is one of the few museums in the country dedicated to African Diaspora — the migration of African people and their lasting cultural and historical impact. MUSEUM OF CRAFT AND DESIGN 2569 Third St. One of North America’s few institutions dedicated to contemporary craft and design, the museum’s mission is to explore the active roles these practices play in everyday life through original and traveling exhibitions, collaborations with institutions from around the world, and hands-on opportunities to learn how to make your own crafts. SAN FRANCISCO MUSEUM OF MODERN ART (SFMOMA) 151 Third St. This recently expanded gem in Yerba Buena Gardens has 10 floors with 45,000 square feet of free exhibits and a façade inspired by the waters and fog of the San Francisco Bay. The museum’s permanent collection includes more than 33,000 pieces; new additions include The Fisher Collection, which includes works by Andy Warhol, Alexander Calder and many others, and Pritzker Center for Photography, the largest space permanently dedicated to photography at any art museum in the U.S. THE WALT DISNEY FAMILY MUSEUM 104 Montgomery St., Presidio Celebrating the life and work of Walt Disney — creator of some of America’s most beloved animation including Mickey Mouse — this museum is housed in a historic building in the Presidio. Contemporary interactive galleries and state-of-the-art exhibits are narrated in Walt’s own voice, and feature early drawings, cartoons, movies and a spectacular model of Disneyland. While you’re there, enjoy daily screenings of Disney classics. YERBA BUENA CENTER FOR THE ARTS 701 Mission St. Located in the heart of Yerba Buena Gardens, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts presents cuttingedge, contemporary visual art, performances, film/ video and community engagement programs by some of the most innovative artists working today. Distinguished by its support for artists from around the world, YBCA is also recognized for the important role the organization plays in the San Francisco Bay Area arts, ecology and the community Exhibit at MoAD at large.
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