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San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)

Explore modern & contemporary art at SFMOMA, the West Coast's first museum dedicated to 20th & 21st-century masterpieces.

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SFMOMA, founded in 1935, was the first West Coast museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art. Its collection includes over 33,000 works spanning painting, sculpture, photography, architecture, design, and media arts. The museum plays a vital role in promoting modern and contemporary art through its diverse collection and exhibitions.

A brief summary to San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

  • Monday 10 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 12 pm-8 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on the first Thursday of the month for free admission if you're a Bay Area resident, but book tickets in advance as they tend to sell out.
  • Take advantage of the free art-filled spaces on the first and second floors for a no-cost introduction to modern art.
  • SFMOMA's garage at 147 Minna Street offers parking with discounts for members; validate your ticket at the Haas Jr. Atrium on the first floor.
  • Kids 18 and under always get in free, making it a great family outing.
  • Check out the SFMOMA website for deals, discounts, and information on group visits.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    SFMOMA is easily accessible via public transportation. From the Powell Street or Montgomery Street BART and Muni Light Rail stations, it's a short walk. Numerous bus lines, including the 8, 14, 30, and 45, stop within a block of the museum at the intersection of 3rd St & Mission St. A single ride on Muni costs $2.50.

  • Walking

    From the Caltrain station, SFMOMA is approximately a 15-20 minute walk. Head north on 4th Street, then turn left onto Howard Street. The museum will be on your right. This is a straightforward and cost-free way to reach the museum, allowing you to take in the city sights along the way.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available throughout San Francisco. A short ride from the Caltrain station to SFMOMA typically costs between $7 and $10, depending on traffic and demand. This is a convenient option for those with mobility issues or who prefer a direct route.

  • Driving

    If driving, SFMOMA offers its own parking garage at 147 Minna Street, a short walk from the museum's entrance on Third Street. SFMOMA members receive a 25% discount, and non-members get a 10% discount for the first 3.5 hours. After 3.5 hours, a flat rate of $26 applies for up to 12 hours. Several other parking garages are located nearby, including the Hearst Parking Center.

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Discover more about San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) stands as a beacon for modern and contemporary art enthusiasts. Founded in 1935, it holds the distinction of being the first museum on the West Coast dedicated solely to 20th-century art. SFMOMA has since cultivated an internationally recognized collection, boasting over 33,000 works encompassing a wide array of artistic mediums. These include paintings, sculptures, photographs, architectural designs, and media arts. The museum's history is marked by its commitment to showcasing innovative and challenging art. SFMOMA played a crucial role in the early careers of prominent artists like Arshile Gorky, Clyfford Still, and Jackson Pollock, hosting their first solo exhibitions. The museum continues to champion both established masters and emerging talents, solidifying its reputation as a dynamic art center. SFMOMA's collection is organized into several groups spread throughout the museum's floors. Visitors can explore permanent collections, the Doris and Donald Fisher Collection, the Pritzker Center for Photography, and various temporary exhibitions. The museum also features site-specific installations like Julie Mehretu's HOWL, eon (I, II) and sculptures like Walker's Gardeners. In addition to its ticketed galleries, SFMOMA offers 45,000 square feet of art-filled public spaces that are free to access. These areas, located on the first and second floors, provide a glimpse into the world of modern and contemporary art.

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