What to See When Museum Hopping in San Francisco
San Francisco is a city in northern California and is the region’s cultural, financial, and commercial center. Dubbed the “Golden City”, San Francisco is one of the world’s most renowned tourist destinations and it’s easy to see why; the city boasts some iconic landmarks, a world-class dining scene, cultural attractions and so much more.
One of the most impressive things about the city is its top-notch line-up of museums, which is why museum hopping in San Francisco is an extremely popular activity for both locals and tourists. Apart from the usual fine art and cultural institutions, the city also has an array of one-of-a-kind and eclectic museums that are worth visiting as they give you a glimpse of San Francisco’s makeup and heritage.
Pro-tip! This list includes everything from art galleries and history museums to antique arcades and science institutions. Most, if not all museums on this list have restrictions when it comes to guests’ luggage. To avoid any inconvenience, store your bags in the Bounce luggage locker before your visit.
Best Museums to Visit in San Francisco
Whatever your interest may be, you will surely find a museum in San Francisco where you can have a fun and memorable experience. We’ve compiled our picks for the ultimate must-see museums in the Golden City.
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
One of the city’s most prestigious art institutions, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) is one of the largest museums on the West Coast dedicated to contemporary art, particularly pieces from the 20th century until the present day.
The museum’s permanent collection contains around 33,000 pieces of works of all kinds, including paintings, photography, drawings, digital art, light installations, and more. Some of the artists whose works are featured at SFMOMA include Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock, Frida Kahlo, Louise Bourgeois, and Edward Hopper.
M. H. de Young Memorial Museum
Located within the prominent Golden Gate Park, the M.H. de Young Memorial Museum, also known simply as the de Young, is one of the oldest and most famous museums in the city of San Francisco. Founded in 1895, the museum is one-half of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco (along with the Legion of Honor) and boasts an esteemed collection of American and international art curated from the colonial period until the mid-20th century.
The museum also has traveling exhibitions as well as extensive collections of decorative arts, crafts, textiles, and their renowned costume collection. Apart from the incredible works found inside the de Young, the museum also offers a stunning panoramic view of the city and surrounding landscapes.
Situated right in the heart of the Civic Center, the Asian Art Museum is one of the top museums in San Francisco and one you shouldn’t miss when visiting the city. The museum boasts one of the world’s biggest permanent collections of Asian art, boasting over 18,000 works of art spanning 6000 years.
Some of the highlights at the Asian Art Museum include the Tibetan drawing of Mahakala, Japanese samurai armor, Chinese Buddhist art, and plenty of other pieces. The museum also hosts rotating exhibitions throughout the year, such as Japanese artwork from the Larry Ellison Collection and the Terracotta Warriors.
Another facility that is always included in the list of San Francisco’s best museums is the Exploratorium, an arts and science museum for visitors of all ages. One of the most mind-blowing places in the city, the Exploratorium features 650 innovative exhibitions – from scientific experiments to interactive galleries and hands-on activities. A visit to the Exploratorium is more than just seeing; it provides guests with an educational and memorable experience.
Making up the other half of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco (together with the de Young), the Legion of Honor is one of the best places in the city to visit if you’re looking to appreciate some of the finest works of art. Housed within a beautiful Beaux-Arts building, the museum is dedicated to ancient and European art and features a permanent collection of art from the 13th to the 20th century.
Among the renowned artists whose works are on display at the Legion of Honor include Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet, Joan Miro, Vincent Van Gogh, and Max Ernst. The museum also boasts some ancient art from places such as Greece and Egypt as well as sculptures, such as Rodin’s iconic The Thinker statue located at the museum entrance.
The Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD)
The Museum of the African Diaspora, or simply MoAD, is one of the few museums in the world that is solely dedicated to highlighting the culture, art, and stories of African heritage.
Located in the city’s Yerba Buena district, this contemporary art museum tells the linear migration of the African diaspora across different parts of the world. Moreover, MoAD aims to celebrate African culture in all forms through its exhibits, which feature African art, carnivals, and more.
Situated within the well-known Fisherman’s Wharf, the Musée Mécanique is arguably the most interesting and fun museum you’ll ever encounter in the city. Founded by local icon Edward Galland Zelinsky, this museum is just like a gaming zone and features over 300 eclectic mechanical objects and artifacts, including coin-operated fortune tellers, musical instruments, antique arcade machines, hand-cranked music boxes, and slot machines, the majority of which are still in working condition.
Some of the highlights at the museum include a steam-operated motorcycle and the 6-foot-tall automaton known as Laffing Sal. These quirky antiques are part of Zelinsky’s private collection, which he started curating in the 1920s. Entrance to the Musée Mécanique is free but using the games will cost you a couple of quarters.
Established in 1984, the Contemporary Jewish Museum is among the most stunning buildings in the city; the building is draped in over 3000 blue steel panels that change color and shape to form Hebrew letters.
Aside from being an architectural marvel, the museum is also interesting on the inside; the facility is dedicated to celebrating Jewish art, history, and culture. The Contemporary Jewish Museum hosts rotating exhibitions as well as educational programs related to the Jewish experience.