San Francisco is one of the biggest and brightest cultural hubs in the world, and it has the museums to show for it. The city’s museums are some of the best, and between incredible art displays from around the world to interactive science exhibits, there’s something for everyone. These are five of the city’s best: 1. De YoungThe de Young is one of San Francisco’s most famous art museums, and for good reason. Located in beautiful Golden Gate Park, the museum was founded more than 100 years ago in 1895. The museum re-opened in a new facility in 2005, in a beautiful marvel of architecture designed to integrate the building with its art and the natural landscape -- a popular concept among San Francisco museums, though with wildly different executions. The new building also features a contemporary observation tower, offering sweeping views of the park and surrounding city. Their collection spans thousands of years and is sourced from all over the globe, including the Americas, Africa, and Oceana. One of their most notable collections is their collection of American art from the 17th through the 20th centuries, and while the de Young is not devoted to textiles, they do boast a broad, unique collection of costumes and textile arts. My personal must-see is the African exhibit, which features art from all around the continent primarily from the 19th through mid-20th centuries. PS - If you're a local, you're in luck! Bay Area residents get free admission to the museum every Saturday. 2. Asian Art MuseumThis museum, as evidenced by the name, showcases thousands of years worth of art from all over Asia, featuring a collection of 18,000 works of art from all the major cultures of Asia. The Asian Art Museum not only focuses on art from the ancient world, but also has a constant flow of fascinating modern exhibitions. The Asian Art Museum was founded over 50 years ago, and also makes its home in Golden Gate Park. Their goal is to make Asian art and culture essential to everyone, by connecting art to life and inspiring new ways of thinking by connecting visitors to Asian art and culture throughout the centuries. The museum is also part of a collection of San Francisco museums hosting Nightlife events -- Thursday Nights at the Asian Art Museum feature "an eclectic array of events to stimulate your mind and activate your soul: dance performances, creative events with artists and writers, cooking demonstrations and tastings with local chefs, film screenings, live music and more." Your ticket also gives you access to the museum's permanent exhibits, and tickets to special exhibitions are available for purchase. In addition, in May 2020, the museum plans to open their new, 15,000 square foot extension, built to "house groundbreaking exhibitions and art installations — including the U.S. museum debut of an immersive, multisensory dreamscape created by Tokyo-based international art collective teamLab." It's definitely something to look forward to! 3. California Academy of SciencesThe California Academy of Sciences is seriously one of the coolest places to visit in San Francisco. Described as "an aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum all under one living roof," the Academy is full of wonders. They were founded over 160 years ago in 1853, becoming the first scientific academy west of the Atlantic seaboard. Located in Golden Gate Park, this (literally) green museum is also a research institute and a global advocate for biodiversity research and exploration, environmental education, and sustainability. My personal favorite exhibit is the walk-through rainforest dome, which features four stories of free-flying butterflies and birds, as well as a number of other creatures to visit and learn about. The aquarium and Kimball Natural History Museum and its hall of African animals are always fascinating, too! (Have you ever seen Night at the Museum? That's what the Natural History Museum portion of the CAoS makes me think of. They even have a massive T. rex to greet you when you walk in the door). The California Academy of Sciences also hosts NightLife every Thursday from 6-10 PM. Open to adults age 21+, NightLife features music, food and drinks, and a new theme every week, in addition to access to regular museum exhibits. 4. Legion of HonorInside the Rainforest Dome at California Academy of Sciences With a collection spanning four millenia, the Legion of Honor is not one to be missed. Even the building itself, in French neoclassical style, is a work of art. Although its sister museum, the de Young, is where my heart is at, this museum is still amazing in its own right (and admission to either the de Young or the Legion of Honor includes same-day general admission to the other). Focusing primarily on European and ancient art from the Mediterranean basin, I’m always impressed by their sculpture displays as well as their collections of works by Matisse and Monet. 5. ExploratoriumThis museum was one of the highlights of my childhood. Described as a public learning laboratory, it opened in 1969 and now features over 650 exhibits dedicated to inspiring learning, understanding, and engaging with the world around us. Focusing on the intersections of science, art and perception, the Exploratorium is famous for its hands-on nature. You’re not only allowed to touch and engage with the exhibits--you’re supposed to! Every Thursday night, the museum opens up from 6-10 PM for their After Dark events. This adults-only special event features access to the museum, as well as special programming featuring unique guest speakers, music, specialty films, and one-of-a-kind activities. Each night has a special theme, so you'll be able to experience different programming every week! 6. Bonus Update: Museum of the African DiasporaI had yet to visit this museum when this post was first published, but now that I've had the opportunity, I definitely recommend seeing it for yourself! MoAD is a contemporary art museum and Smithsonian affiliate, which "celebrates Black cultures, ignites challenging conversations, and inspires learning through the global lens of the African Diaspora". Their focus is on the African Diaspora throughout history, from the origin of humanity through contemporary experiences. Their programs and exhibitions center around the African Diaspora's art, history, and culture, with their goal being "to explore and celebrate the beliefs, practices, traditions, and customs connected to these movements." (They're also within walking distance of the Contemporary Jewish Museum, another museum on my bucket list, if you want to stretch out your museum experience even longer!) Two of my favorite works of art featured at the museum in 2019. When I travel, I always try to make time for at least one museum, because I love the ability they have to transport you to any time or place in history. San Francisco boasts quite a few museums, from the large to the positively tiny, and has something to offer people of all ages. While it can be hard to narrow down your choices, you can’t go wrong with any of the ones listed here. Have you visited any of these museums? Let me know what you thought of it in the comments below! 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Hi, there! Call me Kris. I’m a world traveler, author and artist working to showcase the world's beauty and inspire you to find your confidence to see the world!
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