The museum flaunts over 33,000 modern and contemporary art works, featuring pieces from renowned artists like Jackson Pollock, Frida Kahlo, and Andy Warhol, making it a treasure trove for art enthusiasts.
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Uncover world-class modern art at one of the largest museums in the U.S., right in downtown San Francisco.
Uncover world-class modern art at one of the largest museums in the U.S., right in downtown San Francisco.
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The museum flaunts over 33,000 modern and contemporary art works, featuring pieces from renowned artists like Jackson Pollock, Frida Kahlo, and Andy Warhol, making it a treasure trove for art enthusiasts.
This remarkable private collection is one of the world's largest and includes works by celebrated artists like Andy Warhol, Gerhard Richter, and Alexander Calder. The collection spans postwar and contemporary art, offering a rare, comprehensive view of modern art history.
The museum’s Pritzker Center for Photography is one of the largest gallery spaces in the US dedicated solely to photography. It holds more than 31,000 photographic works by renowned photographers like Ansel Adams and Dorothea Lange.
A pioneer in media arts, the museum highlights the intersection of art and technology through cutting-edge works in video art, film installations, sound art and immersive installations.
This beautiful terrace garden offers an open-air space to view sculptures and installations with sweeping city views, creating a peaceful retreat within the bustling museum.
You can frequently find exhibitions at the museum by contemporary artists like Julie Mehretu and others who engage with modern themes that explore current social, political, and cultural themes, reflecting a commitment to showcasing the evolving world of art.
The museum’s collection includes significant works by American greats like Jackson Pollock, Ellsworth Kelly, and Roy Lichtenstein, providing an in-depth look into the evolution of American modernism.
A monumental steel sculpture invites you to walk through its spiraling paths, creating an immersive and almost meditative experience. It’s one of artist Richard Serra’s largest sculptures, with twisting, towering walls that make you feel transported to another world.
The museum’s outdoor living wall is a massive, lush installation featuring over 19,000 plants, providing a serene natural escape amid the art-filled surroundings. It is a unique green space that beautifully complements the museum’s architecture.
Open hours:
Last admission: 30 minutes before closing
Closed: Wednesday
Best time to visit: If you aren’t a big fan of crowds, make your way to the museum during the late morning or early afternoon on a weekday which is generally quieter than weekends. Peak season (May to September) coincides with warmer weather and summer tourism, which can lead to larger crowds. Visiting during winter (December to February) ensures a more intimate atmosphere while exploring the museum's collections with fewer visitors.
Address: 151 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States | Find on Maps
Nearby landmark: Museum of the African Diaspora (0.1 mile)
Visit one of the various cafés inside the museum premises for a break between your art escapade:
The Museum Store
The souvenir shop at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art offers a curated selection of art-inspired merchandise, making it a perfect stop for unique gifts and memorabilia. You can take home art books, exclusive exhibition catalogs, and designer home goods that reflect the museum's modern aesthetic. With a focus on supporting artists and local creators, the store has a diverse range of products that celebrate creativity and design.
Step into this 100-acre urban oasis located between Lake Merced and the Pacific Ocean, that is home to over 2,000 animals. At the San Francisco Zoo, you’ll not only come across a diverse range of animals but also have the chance to feed some, like giraffes and penguins!
At Aquarium of the Bay, you get the opportunity to explore the diverse marine life of the San Francisco Bay. With over 20,000 animals including sharks, rays, and jellyfish, the aquarium is a marine adventure you wouldn’t want to miss.
Alcatraz Island, famously known as "The Rock," is a small island located 1.25 miles offshore from San Francisco. Previously a federal prison, it has housed some of America's most infamous criminals, including Al Capone and George "Machine Gun" Kelly, and is known for dramatic escape attempts by inmates. Today, you can take a day trip from San Francisco to see this infamous island.
With your ticket to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, you gain entry to the museum with access to its extensive collection of over 33,000 modern and contemporary artworks, featuring renowned artists like Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein.
Senior citizens who are older than 65 years, and students with a valid ID can get tickets at a discounted price.
Children and teens below the age of 18 can enter the museum for free.
Yes, admission tickets to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art include access to audio guides. You can download the free SFMOMA Audio app to enjoy an audio tour with commentary about the exhibits and artworks throughout the museum.
Your SFMOMA tickets are not timed but they are dated so you can arrive at any time within museum opening hours on the day your ticket was purchased for.
While there isn’t a limit on the duration of your visit to San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, you will have to leave the museum premises at closing time which is 5pm on most days and 8pm on Thursdays.
Plan to spend around 2-3 hours exploring the galleries of San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, but you can extend your visit to enjoy special exhibitions or have a bite at the museum café.