San Francisco Art Galleries

(San Francisco, California - CA, USA)

San Francisco art galleries are in good supply and often operate on a commercial basis, housing a variety of contemporary pieces by local emerging artists. In particular, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) on 3rd Street stands out and boasts an exceptional collection of pieces which have been created by the likes of Paul Klee, Henri Matisse, Jackson Pollock and Andy Warhol, amongst many other artists.

Other commendable venues include the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco (FAMSF), comprising the De Young Museum and the Legion of Honor, both of which are home to some wonderful masterpieces created by famous artists. The galleries located at the Asian Art Museum and Fort Mason are also worth visiting.

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)

Address: 151 3rd Street, San Francisco, California CA, 94103, USA
Tel: +1 415 357 4000
Founded in 1935 following a generous donation of paintings, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art stands on 3rd Street, where it is close to both the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts and the Yerba Buena Gardens, as well as the Cartoon Art Museum. In 1995, the Museum of Modern Art relocated to 3rd Street from its previous location at the War Memorial Veterans Building and is now home to an enormous collection of contemporary masterpieces. Recently opened is the rooftop garden, which also functions as an outdoor exhibition space.
Open hours: Monday, Tuesday, Friday to Sunday - 11:00 to 17:45, Thursday - 11:00 to 20:45
Admission: charge, discounts for seniors, children 12 years old and under are free, members of the SFMOMA are free, half-price admission on Thursday from 18:00 to 20:45

Asian Art Museum

Address: 200 Larkin Street, San Francisco, California CA, 94102, USA
Tel: +1 415 581 3500
Home to one of the most extensive collections of Asian Art in existence, the Asian Art Museum opened in the mid-1960s and allows visitors to explore some 6,000 years of history through a series of themed exhibitions. In total there are almost 20,000 works of art and oriental artefacts within the collection, with gallery spaces being dedicated to South Asia, Southeast Asia, West Asia, China, Japan, Korea and the Himalayas. In the spring of 2003, the Asian Art Museum moved to its new residence on Larkin Street, where it now occupies the former city library building, just across from the Civic Center.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 20:00
Admission: free

De Young Museum

Address: Golden Gate Park, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, San Francisco, California CA, 94118, USA
Tel: +1 415 750 3600
Part of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco (FAMSF), the De Young Museum resides on Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, within the Golden Gate Park. Noteworthy collections are categorized as American Paintings, American Sculptures and Decorative Art, African Art, Oceanic Art and Textiles. Also of note is the Anderson Graphic Arts Collection, the Dorothy and George Saxe Collection of Contemporary Craft, the Eskimo and Inuit Art from the Collection of Thomas G. Fowler, the Jolika Collection of New Guinea Art, and the Lewis K. and Elizabeth M. Land Collection.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 09:30 to 17:15
Admission: charge, discounts for seniors, children 12 years old and under are free

Legion of Honour Museum

Address: Lincoln Park, Clement Street / 34th Avenue, San Francisco, California CA, 94121, USA
Tel: +1 415 750 3600
Also a part of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco (FAMSF) organization, the Legion of Honour Museum stands in Lincoln Park, within a beautiful Beaux Arts Building, and contains a collection spanning some 4,000 years' worth of ancient and European art. With enviable views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the De Young Museum contains various valuable paintings by acclaimed artists such as El Greco, Gainsborough, Matisse, Monet, Rembrandt, Rubens and Picasso. Other themed exhibitions at the Legion of Honour Museum include European Decorative Art, Works on Paper, Ancient Art, and the Bowles Collection of 18th-century English and French Porcelain.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 09:30 to 17:15
Admission: charge, discounts for seniors, children 12 years old and under are free

San Francisco Art Institute

Address: 800 Chestnut Street, San Francisco, California CA, 94133, USA
Tel: +1 415 771 7021
The city's very own Art Institute is home to two exceptional art galleries. The galleries overlook the bayfront and include work by many student artists, modern works of art by well-known artists, art work by up-and-coming artists and there is also a splendid mural by Diego Rivera. San Francisco Art Institute Galleries has a decked area on the rooftop that provides exceptional views of the city and nearby landmarks.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 20:00
Admission: free

Fort Mason

Address: Marina Boulevard, San Francisco, California CA, 94123, USA
Tel: +1 415 345 7500
Fort Mason is a converted military base that is now home to a wealth of cultural venues in the city. Including a good selection of art galleries, museums and theaters, Fort Mason boasts an appealing waterfront setting and also hosts many popular events that take place throughout the year. Each year, over 1.5 million people visit the attractions and exhibitions here.
Open hours: daily - 08:00 to midnight
Admission: charge

City Art

Address: 828 Valencia Street, San Francisco, California CA, 94110, USA
Tel: +1 415 970 9900
Located on Valencia Street and near to the Mission Playground, City Art features many different and varied art exhibitions throughout the year. The art works are all for sale and generally sensibly priced, including a mixture of contemporary paintings, tall sculptures and abstract works. Nearby attractions include the Mission Dolores Park, the Golden Gate Lutheran Church and the Mission Plaza Shopping Center.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 12:00 to 21:00
Admission: free