Things to do in San Francisco, California (CA): The Best Museums

April 12, 2022 Layne Dawes

Every neighborhood in San Francisco has its own personality, from the hippie chic of the Upper Haight to the hipster grit of the Mission. The Marina district boasts trendy bistros and postcard-perfect views of the Golden Gate Bridge, while Noe Valley offers quaint and quiet boutiques. Wave hello to the sea lions at Pier 39, and sample local cheese and charcuterie at the Ferry Building. Sit in on a yoga session in Dolores Park or marvel at the Dutch Windmill across from Ocean Beach.
Restaurants in San Francisco

10 Hawthorne St, San Francisco, CA 94105-3931 +1 415-781-4629 [email protected] http://www.berggruen.com
Excellent
80%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 5 reviews

Berggruen Gallery

The gallery specializes in the exhibition and sale of 20th-century American and European paintings, drawings, sculpture, and limited edition prints. We exhibit the work of major American post-war artists as well as younger contemporary artists. The gallery also presents exhibitions of a historic nature by artists such as Richard Diebenkorn, Ellsworth Kelly, Alexander Calder, and Henri Matisse.

Reviewed By Frank-in-SF - San Francisco, United States

On January 18, I attended the opening of Berggruen's latest show, John Alexander: Landscape and Memory & Mark di Suvero: Sculpture. I have enjoyed the events I've attended at the gallery. This was my second opening and in November I attended an artist talk on the works of Helen Frankenthaler, subject of their last show. The talk was led by two very knowledgeable scholars, and was very informative. The Frankenthaler paintings were beautiful and evocative. This opening, like the previous one, was well-attended. The di Suvero and Alexander works are obviously not as important as the Frankenthalers, but were interesting on their own and in juxtaposition; the sculptures are abstract and the paintings are figurative. In addition to the usual white wine and sparkling water, the gallery served vodka and some juices. In addition, the artists were in attendance. The facility itself is very impressive, an ultra modern space in a historic building. It's three floors are connected by a gorgeous glass and stainless steel staircase. (There is also an elevator.). I highly recommend a visit to Berggruen, especially because it's located across the street from SFMOMA and in between two other excellent galleries, Gagosian and Crown Point Press, which are also worth a stop.

2. Children's Creativity Museum

221 4th St 4th Street and Howard Street., San Francisco, CA 94103-3116 +1 415-820-3320 [email protected] http://creativity.org/
Excellent
68%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 84 reviews

Children's Creativity Museum

The Children's Creativity Museum is a hands-on multi-media art and technology experience for children ages 2-12 and their families. Exhibits encourage visitors to Imagine, Create and Share as they make their own stop-motion animation movie, take the Mystery Box Challenge, visit the Tech Lab to code robots, or experiment with instruments and sound in the Making Music exhibition. Our youngest visitors let their imagination run wild in the Imagination Lab.

Reviewed By PaulB476 - Minneapolis, United States

Great place for kids with a lot of fun things to do (especially on a rainy day when we were there). Staff were very nice and clearly enjoyed what they were doing. Pretty reasonable for a few hours of entertainment as well. Note: cheap (and good) food options just across the street at the Metreon food plaza.

3. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)

151 3rd St Enter on Howard or Third Street, San Francisco, CA 94103-3107 +1 415-357-4000 [email protected] http://www.sfmoma.org/
Excellent
63%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,041 reviews

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)

SFMOMA is one of San Francisco’s must-see destinations, located within walking distance of Union Square. Explore seven floors of extraordinary art, including world-class exhibitions, the largest living wall in the U.S., and breathtaking city views from outdoor gardens and terraces. Save time and pre-purchase tickets (admission is free for visitors 18 and under), or reserve a unique private guided tour experience in advance. Free public tours and audio guides are available onsite. Effective immediately, SFMOMA will offer free admission to Federal Employees who show their federally issued ID. This is for adult admission and does not include a +1.

Reviewed By TravelRealize - San Jose, United States

When I heard about the exhibition on the effervescent pop art of Andy Warhol at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art or SFMOMA, I turned to the pop art maestro for inspiration and motivation to keep on creating. . Warhol, like every great artist, questioned the status-quo, reflected on the societal conditions from different perspectives, remained open to new ideas and concepts and followed the work of contemporary artists. . Thank you SFMOMA for putting up such a brilliant and enriching exhibition. If you live in or are visiting the San Francisco Bay Area, I highly recommend visiting SFMOMA. Gift yourself a day brimmed with joy amidst art, ideas, and beauty. . To read more about this exhibition, please visit my blog - Travel Realizations

111 Minna St, San Francisco, CA 94105-3701 +1 415-974-1719 [email protected] http://www.111minnagallery.com/
Excellent
46%
Good
46%
Satisfactory
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Poor
8%
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 13 reviews

111 Minna Gallery

For nearly 20 years 111 Minna Gallery has been in the business of art and leisure, consistently winning awards for best art gallery, best bar, and best happy hour. We host a diverse array of events; from art openings, book readings, and film screenings, to bands and DJs, to product launches and corporate shindigs. 4700sqft with two bars and two rooms, we also do private events for groups of 50-500. There is something for everyone. Please check our website to see our calendar of upcoming events!

Reviewed By irenebU7226AR

Cute Gallery with wonderful staff. Enjoy the calm atmosphere and the fantastic Art from a verity of artists

5. American Bookbinders Museum

355 Clementina St, San Francisco, CA 94103-4104 +1 415-824-9754 [email protected] http://www.bookbindersmuseum.org
Excellent
85%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 26 reviews

American Bookbinders Museum

The American Bookbinders Museum tells the story of the book and why it's important to all of us today. The ABM celebrates the history, tools and process of western bookbinding, and of the men, women, and children who made books. See how books were bound by hand until the 19th century; marvel at the first machines that automated bookbinding. “The most technologically efficient machine that man has ever invented is the book.” –Northrop Frye Currently we offer audio-tours and self-guided tours. The American Bookbinders Museum is the only bookbinding museum in North America.

Reviewed By RadioKaren - Poughkeepsie, United States

Wonderful display of presses, techniques, and beautifully bound books. Also a sweet little gift shop.

6. California Historical Society

678 Mission St Library Open 1:00PM-5:00PM Wednesday through Friday, San Francisco, CA 94105-4014 +1 415-357-1848 http://www.californiahistoricalsociety.org/
Excellent
39%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
35%
Poor
13%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 23 reviews

California Historical Society

California's history is archived here in a library, art collection and bookstore.

7. Museum of the African Diaspora

685 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94105-4126 +1 415-358-7200 http://www.moadsf.org/
Excellent
57%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
10%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 60 reviews

Museum of the African Diaspora

Reviewed By 926grahamb - Raunds, United Kingdom

A small museum but packed with such interesting and diverse displays. Paintings, sculptures, exhibits and displays that make you think and consider. Lovely staff who were very helpful and well read.

8. San Francisco Railway Museum

77 Steuart St, San Francisco, CA 94105-1237 +1 415-974-1948 [email protected] http://www.streetcar.org/
Excellent
34%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
19%
Poor
6%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 113 reviews

San Francisco Railway Museum

The San Francisco Railway museum is the place to learn about the antique streetcars and national landmark cable cars that regularly run along the city's main arteries, and how rail transportation shaped development of the city. The museum is located at the Steuart Street F-line stop, half a block south of Market St., catty-corner from the Ferry Building, and only steps away from the California St. Cable Car terminal. Admission to the museum is free.

Reviewed By mini - Fremont, United States

I made a repeat visit to the San Francisco Railway Museum. Its a free museum, close to the Ferry Building area, which tells the story about San Francisco's street cars. There are exhibits and some movies to watch. There is also some store items. Staff is nice.

657 Howard St, San Francisco, CA 94105-3915 +1 415-546-3990 http://www.gagosian.com
Excellent
33%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
33%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 3 reviews

Gagosian Gallery

10. Contemporary Jewish Museum

736 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103-3113 +1 415-655-7800 [email protected] http://www.thecjm.org
Excellent
28%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
10%
Terrible
8%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 223 reviews

Contemporary Jewish Museum

This museum houses fascinating and sometimes controversial exhibits on Jewish history and culture.

Reviewed By permia

Another Daniel Libeskind triumph and a great space for the contemporary themes of the temporary exhibitions. A number of interesting displays were underway at our visit and it was great to see the vibrant modernity of Jewish culture on public display.

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