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de Young Museum: Art, Architecture, and Panoramic Views

Explore American and international art, textiles, and stunning city views at San Francisco's iconic de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park.

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Located in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, the de Young Museum showcases American art from the 17th to the 21st centuries, alongside collections of art from Africa, Oceania, and the Americas. The museum is known for its distinctive copper-clad architecture and observation tower offering stunning views.

A brief summary to de Young Museum

  • Tuesday 9:30 am-5:15 pm
  • Wednesday 9:30 am-5:15 pm
  • Thursday 9:30 am-5:15 pm
  • Friday 9:30 am-5:15 pm
  • Saturday 9:30 am-5:15 pm
  • Sunday 9:30 am-5:15 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on the first Tuesday of the month for free admission to the permanent collection.
  • Bay Area residents can enjoy free admission to the permanent collection every Saturday with proof of residency.
  • Take advantage of the free docent-led tours to gain deeper insights into the museum's collections.
  • Don't miss the Hamon Observation Tower for panoramic views of San Francisco and Golden Gate Park.
  • Explore the Osher Sculpture Garden behind the museum, featuring unique and creative pieces of art.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    Several Muni bus lines provide access to the de Young Museum. The 5 and 5R buses stop along Fulton Street on the north side of Golden Gate Park. From there, it's a short walk to the museum entrance. A single ride on Muni costs $3. Alternatively, the Muni Metro N Line travels south of the park, stopping along Irving and Judah streets. From the N Judah line, you can transfer to a bus that goes north into the park, or walk about 20 minutes.

  • Walking

    The de Young Museum is located in the Music Concourse area of Golden Gate Park, near the Japanese Tea Garden and the California Academy of Sciences. If you are already in Golden Gate Park, follow signs towards the Music Concourse. The museum is easily accessible by foot from most areas within the park.

  • Ride Share/Taxi

    Request a ride to the de Young Museum at 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, San Francisco. Be aware that traffic within Golden Gate Park can be heavy, especially on weekends. A short ride from downtown San Francisco will likely cost between $15 and $30, depending on traffic and surge pricing.

  • Driving

    From Highway 1, follow signs to Golden Gate Park. Limited street parking is available on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Blue Heron Lake Drive, and Fulton Street. Paid parking is available in the Music Concourse Garage. The garage is directly under the concourse and costs $5.25 per hour on weekdays and $6.25 per hour on weekends. Valuables should not be left in vehicles due to the risk of break-ins.

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Discover more about de Young Museum

The de Young Museum, officially the M. H. de Young Memorial Museum, stands as a landmark in Golden Gate Park, offering a rich blend of art, architecture, and natural beauty. Named after San Francisco newspaperman Michael H. de Young, the museum has evolved from its origins in the 1894 California Midwinter International Exposition to become one of the most visited art institutions in the United States. The museum's collections span a wide range of cultures and time periods, featuring American art from the 17th through the 21st centuries, as well as significant collections of textiles and costumes, and art from Africa, Oceania, and the Americas. Visitors can explore works by iconic American artists, discover contemporary art from around the world, and examine historical and ancestral pueblo pottery. The textile collection, encompassing nearly 3,000 years of history and items from 125 countries, highlights the interconnectedness of global cultures. The de Young's distinctive architecture is a draw in itself. Designed by Herzog & de Meuron, the copper-clad building is designed to blend with its natural surroundings over time as the copper oxidizes and develops a patina. The 144-foot Hamon Observation Tower offers panoramic views of Golden Gate Park, the city, and the Pacific Ocean. The museum also integrates natural elements into its design, with inner courtyards that allow the park to permeate the building's spaces. Visitors can enhance their experience with docent-led tours, a visit to the de Young Café, and exploration of the Osher Sculpture Garden, which features works by contemporary artists. The museum also offers free admission to its permanent collection on the first Tuesday of every month and every Saturday for Bay Area residents.

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