ART AND CULTURE SAN FRANCISCO’S MUST-SEE MUSEUMS inspiring coral reef ecosystem delights visitors of all ages, while immersive planetarium shows transport you through space and time for a new perspective on our universe. World-class aquariums, interactive science exhibits, and some of the country’s most diverse art collections, including the works of Walt Disney, make San Francisco’s museums a must for any traveler. But it’s not just the collections that are magnificent; it’s also the critically acclaimed architecture and some of the most breathtaking vistas in the city that make the institutions worth a visit. Be sure to include a stop at one (or more) of these museums during your stay. wraparound views of San Francisco and the Pacific from the Observation Level of the Hamon Tower. EXPLORATORIUM Pier 15, The Embarcadero Recently relocated to a shining new home on the Embarcadero, the Exploratorium is an interactive museum for all ages. Six main galleries boast 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 area in the Fisher Bay Observation Gallery. CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY 678 Mission St. The California Historical Society has been preserving the rich and fascinating history of California for more than 140 years. Enjoy informative exhibits in their downtown location near the Contemporary Jewish Museum and MoAD. Asian Art Museum ASIAN ART MUSEUM 200 Larkin St. Located in the Civic Center neighborhood, this stately museum is home to 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, originating from Turkey, China, India, Japan, the Philippines and other Asian cultures. CONTEMPORARY JEWISH MUSEUM 736 Mission St. Located in downtown San Francisco near the Museum of African Diaspora and the California Historical Society, the Contemporary Jewish Museum presents dynamic exhibitions and educational programs exploring contemporary perspectives on Jewish culture, history and ideas. LEGION OF HONOR 100 34th Ave. Built to commemorate Californian soldiers who died in World War I, the Legion of Honor is a beautiful neoclassic building overlooking Lincoln Park and the Golden Gate Bridge. The museum’s collection features more than 4,000 years of ancient and European art and also houses the Achenbach Foundation for Graphic Arts, one of the largest collections of works on paper in the country. Don’t miss a performance on the Skinner pipe organ; public concerts are presented each weekend on Saturday and Sunday at 4 p.m. FROM TOP: Courtesy of The Asian Art Museum; iStock DE YOUNG MUSEUM 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr. Located 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 so much to see, from textiles and costumes to rare paintings by Australian Aboriginal artists. Opt for an audio tour of the permanent or special exhibitions; and don’t miss the CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES 55 Music Concourse Dr. Home to an aquarium, planetarium, natural history museum, research and educational programs, the California Academy of Sciences is an institution you have to see to believe. From the splashing penguins in the African Hall to the wildflowers on the roof, the building is bursting with life. A four-story living rainforest and awe-16 MUSEUM OF THE AFRICAN DIASPORA 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 . sftravel.com
San Francisco Visitors Planning Guide 2017: Page 16
