Asian Art Museum, Bay Area Travel Guide

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Explore 6,000 years of Asian art and culture at San Francisco's Asian Art Museum, home to a world-renowned collection.

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Asian Art Museum

The Asian Art Museum in San Francisco houses one of the most comprehensive collections of Asian art in the world, with over 18,000 artworks spanning 6,000 years of history. Located in the city's Civic Center, the museum offers a deep dive into the rich tapestry of Asian cultures, showcasing art from across the Asian continent.

A brief summary to Asian Art Museum

200 Larkin St, San Francisco, Civic Center, California, 94102, US
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Monday 10 am-5 pm
Thursday 1 pm-8 pm
Friday 10 am-5 pm
Saturday 10 am-5 pm
Sunday 10 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Asian Art Museum.

Visit on the first Sunday of the month for free general admission.
Download the museum's mobile app for a GPS-enabled, personalized tour.
Take public transportation, as parking can be limited and expensive.
Check the museum's website for information on current exhibitions and events.
Visit after 5 p.m. on Thursdays for discounted admission.

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Explore Asian Art Museum on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Asian Art Museum, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

The Asian Art Museum is easily accessible via public transportation. From anywhere in San Francisco, take BART or Muni Metro to the Civic Center/UN Plaza Station. From the station, follow the signs to the UN Plaza exit. After exiting, walk past the Simón Bolívar statue and cross Hyde Street onto Fulton Street. Turn right on Larkin Street, and the museum will be on your right. A single ride on BART or Muni Metro costs approximately $2.50-$4.00 depending on the distance.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available throughout San Francisco. A taxi ride from downtown San Francisco to the Asian Art Museum typically costs between $10 and $15, depending on traffic. Ride-sharing services may have variable pricing depending on demand. Note that taxi fares in San Francisco start at $4.15 for the first 1/5th of a mile, with an additional $0.65 for each additional 1/5th of a mile.
Walking

The Asian Art Museum is located in the Civic Center neighborhood and is easily walkable from many nearby attractions. From City Hall, simply cross Larkin Street to reach the museum. From Union Square, walk west on Market Street, then turn left onto Larkin Street. The walk is approximately 1.2 miles and takes about 25 minutes. Walking is free.
Driving

If driving, please note that the Asian Art Museum does not have on-site parking. However, there are two parking garages within one block of the museum: the Civic Center Garage (355 McAllister Street) and the UC Hastings Parking Garage (376 Larkin Street). Hourly rates at these garages range from $6 to $8, with daily maximums of $32 to $35. Metered street parking is also available on nearby streets, with hourly rates ranging from $0.50 to $4.50. Be sure to check parking restrictions and time limits.

Discover more about Asian Art Museum

Located in San Francisco's Civic Center, the Asian Art Museum is home to one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of Asian art in the world. With over 18,000 artworks spanning 6,000 years, the museum represents all major Asian countries and traditions, as well as the global Asian diaspora. The museum's collection includes art from South Asia, Iran, Central Asia, Southeast Asia, the Himalayas, China, Korea, and Japan. Visitors can explore a regularly rotating display of over 2,000 objects, including sculptures, paintings, ceramics, and textiles. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, showcasing contemporary art and highlighting Asian culture.The Asian Art Museum originated from a donation by Avery Brundage, a collector of Asian art. The museum was initially housed in the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park, but it moved to its current location in 2003. The museum is now located in a historic Beaux-Arts building that was formerly the main branch of the San Francisco Public Library.The Asian Art Museum is committed to preserving and promoting Asian art and culture. The museum offers a variety of educational programs, including guided tours, lectures, and workshops. The museum also has a research library and archives.