2019-12-19 14:29:08
With world-class aquariums, interactive exhibits, nightlife events and some of the country’s most diverse art collections, San Francisco’s museums rank among its top attractions. Whether you’re interested in art, science, history or pop culture, there’s something for everyone. If seeing the magnificent collections isn’t enough, their critically acclaimed architecture offers some of the best photo ops 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. A recent expansion, creating an additional 13,000 square feet of exhibition space, is scheduled for completion in Spring 2020. 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 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. explore engaging and informative exhibits at their location in the bustling SoMa neighborhood. the bookstore is an ideal spot to find California-centric books and gifts. CARTOON ART MUSEUM 781 Beach St. Founded in 1984, the Cartoon Art Museum houses everything from comic strips, comic books and anime to political cartoons, graphic novels and underground comix. People of all ages can participate in animation workshops and mingle with professional cartoonists. the museum is located in Fisherman’s Wharf just one block from Ghirardelli Square. 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, the museum is located opposite a 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 Observation tower. EXPLORATORIUM Pier 15, The Embarcadero The exploratorium is an interactive museum for all ages and boasts more than 650 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. there’s even more to explore at the adults-only program, “After dark.” LEGION OF HONOR 100 34th Ave. Built to commemorate Californian soldiers who died in World War I, the legion of Honor is a neoclassical landmark overlooking lincoln Park and the Golden Gate Bridge. the museum’s collection covers 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 the 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 gem in SoMa has seven floors, 45,000 square feet of free exhibits, and a grand façade inspired by the waters and fog of the San Francisco Bay. the museum’s permanent collection includes more than 33,000 pieces. newer additions include the Fisher Collection, which includes works by Andy Warhol, Alexander Calder and many others, and the 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 This museum is dedicated to the life and work of Walt disney, creator of some of America’s most beloved animation, including Mickey Mouse. Housed in a historic building in the Presidio, it features contemporary interactive galleries and state-of-theart exhibits showcasing 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 cutting edge, contemporary visual art, performances, film/video and community engagement programs by some of the most innovative artists working today. YBCA is distinguished by its support for artists from around the world.
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