San Francisco’s larger museums cover modern art, European and American art, Asian art, science, and natural history. Here is a rundown of the main ones, with addresses and what each focuses on.
SFMOMA (SoMa)
The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art at 151 Third Street holds modern and contemporary work across seven gallery floors. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. most days.
de Young Museum (Golden Gate Park)
The de Young at 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive shows American art, textiles, and art from Africa, Oceania, and the Americas. The tower observation floor is free. Open 9:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m., closed Mondays.
Legion of Honor (Lincoln Park)
The Legion of Honor at 100 34th Avenue holds European paintings, sculpture, and works on paper in a building above the Pacific. A single ticket covers same-day entry to both the Legion and the de Young.
Asian Art Museum (Civic Center)
The Asian Art Museum at 200 Larkin Street holds one of the larger collections of Asian art in the country. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Exploratorium (Embarcadero)
The Exploratorium at Pier 15 is a hands-on science and perception museum. It runs adults-only After Dark evenings on Thursdays. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
California Academy of Sciences (Golden Gate Park)
The Academy at 55 Music Concourse Drive combines an aquarium, a planetarium, a rainforest dome, and a natural history museum under one roof. Open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Free Days
Bay Area residents get free Saturday admission to the de Young and Legion of Honor with ID from a qualifying county. Several museums hold monthly free community days. See our roundup of free museum days for the current month.