Asian Art Museum
The Verdict
"Over 18,000 works in the permanent collection, housed in the 1917 Beaux-Arts former Main Library that Gae Aulenti converted for the museum's 2003 reopening. Across from City Hall in Civic Center. Free admission first Sunday of every month, rooftop terrace opened 2020."
What you need to know
The Asian Art Museum holds over 18,000 works in its permanent collection, from ancient jade to contemporary installations. The museum occupies the former San Francisco Main Library, a 1917 Beaux-Arts building designed by George Kelham that sits across from City Hall. Italian architect Gae Aulenti led the seismic renovation and conversion, and the museum reopened in its current home on March 20, 2003. Free admission on the first Sunday of every month. The rooftop terrace opened in 2020 with rotating art installations.
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