Institute of Illegal Images

What you need to know

What Makes It Worth It

The art itself is fascinating regardless of how you feel about the substance it once carried. Blotter sheets are tiny. Each dose fits on a quarter-inch square. But the full-sheet designs are intricate, detailed, and surprisingly artistic. The collection traces the visual history of counterculture from the 1960s forward.

This is not a museum with regular hours. Visits are by appointment only. You contact McCloud and arrange a time. The collection is housed in his private residence. If you get in, expect a personal tour from someone who has spent a lifetime on the subject.

Skip this if you’re uncomfortable with the subject matter or if the appointment-only format doesn’t work for you. This is about as niche as San Francisco gets.

Visiting

Address: Mission District (exact address provided upon booking)

Hours: By appointment only. Contact in advance.

Cost: Free (donations welcome)

Best time to go: Whenever you can get an appointment.

What to know: This is a private collection in a private home. You must arrange your visit ahead of time. Be respectful of the space and the collection.

Getting There

Transit: Depends on the specific address. The Mission District is well-served by BART (16th St or 24th St stations) and multiple Muni lines.

Parking: Street parking in the Mission. Availability varies.

Walking: The Mission District has endless restaurants, bars, and murals within walking distance of wherever you end up.