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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

Since its founding in 2011, the International Art Museum has been a place of peaceful reflection and international understanding. When IAMA was first founded, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III had loaned the museum about 100 of his pieces. The works of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III have been recognized with numerous awards over the years. The collection in the museum has grown to include art from China, Algeria, Belgium, England, France, the Netherlands, Germany, Ireland, Norway, Russia, Scotland, and the United States. The works of traditional calligraphy, Western oil painting, modern ink brush landscapes, sculptures and portraits, all work together to showcase the diversity of human experience and perception. Admission is free.