Institute of Illegal Images
The Verdict
"Mark McCloud's private collection of LSD blotter art, with tens of thousands of decorated sheets tracing counterculture visual history from the 1960s forward. Generally regarded as the largest collection of its kind. Visits are a personal tour from McCloud in his Mission District home, by appointment only. Free; donations welcome."
What you need to know
What’s There
The Institute of Illegal Images is the private collection of Mark McCloud, who has spent decades collecting LSD blotter art. The collection holds tens of thousands of decorated sheets and is generally considered the largest of its kind. Blotter sheets are small (each dose fits on a quarter-inch square), but the full-sheet designs are detailed. The collection traces counterculture visual history from the 1960s forward.
The collection is housed in McCloud’s Mission District home. Visits are by appointment only. You contact McCloud directly to arrange a time. If you get in, the visit is a personal tour from McCloud.
Visiting
Hours: By appointment only.
Cost: Free (donations welcome)
What to know: This is a private collection in a private home. Arrange the visit ahead of time. Be respectful of the space.
Getting There
Transit: Depends on the specific address. The Mission District is served by BART (16th St or 24th St stations) and multiple Muni lines.
Parking: Street parking in the Mission. Availability varies.
Explore Nearby
La Taqueria
Voted Best Burrito in USA. James Beard America's Classics Award winner.
David Archuleta: The Warm Me Up Holiday Tour
David Archuleta brings his Warm Me Up Holiday Tour to the historic...
The Beehive
A 1960s-styled Mission cocktail bar with a negroni list and a fondue...
El Farolito
A Mission taqueria going since 1983, known for the Super Burrito and...
