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Asian Art Museum: A Journey Through Asian Art and Culture

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

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The Asian Art Museum in San Francisco houses a vast collection of Asian art spanning 6,000 years, offering visitors an immersive experience into the diverse cultures and traditions of Asia. Located in the city's Civic Center, it's a must-visit for art enthusiasts and those seeking cultural enrichment.

A brief summary to Asian Art Museum

  • 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

Local tips

  • Visit on the first Sunday of the month for free general admission, but reserve your ticket in advance due to popularity.
  • Take public transportation, as parking can be limited and expensive.
  • Allow at least 2.5 to 3 hours to fully explore the museum's collection and special exhibitions.
  • Download the museum's free mobile guide app for self-guided tours in multiple languages.
  • Check out the museum's website for information on current exhibitions, events, and free days.
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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. Follow the signs to the UN Plaza exit. After ascending the stairs, elevator, or escalator, 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 Muni single ride fare costs $2.50, while a BART trip will vary depending on the origin.

  • Walking

    From Union Square, take a light rail Muni train or streetcar from the Powell Street station on Market Street. Take any outbound train to the Civic Center stop. Once at street level, find Hyde Street and walk one block north to Fulton Street. Turn left, walk one block to Larkin Street, and the museum is on the right. Walking from Union Square takes approximately 20-30 minutes.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available throughout San Francisco. A ride from Fisherman's Wharf to the Asian Art Museum typically costs between $20 and $30, depending on traffic and demand. Simply provide the driver with the address: 200 Larkin Street, San Francisco, CA 94102.

  • Parking

    While the Asian Art Museum doesn't have its own parking garage, there are several nearby options. The Civic Center Garage at 355 McAllister Street and the UC Hastings College of Law Garage at 376 Larkin Street are both within a block of the museum. Hourly rates at these garages range from $6 to $8, with daily maximums between $32 and $35. Metered street parking is also available on surrounding streets, with rates varying from $0.50 to $4.50 per hour. Be sure to check parking restrictions and time limits.

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Discover more about Asian Art Museum

The Asian Art Museum, located in San Francisco's Civic Center, is home to one of the most extensive collections of Asian art in the world. With over 18,000 artworks and artifacts representing major Asian countries and traditions, the museum offers a journey through 6,000 years of history and culture. The museum's collection includes art from South Asia, Iran, Central Asia, Southeast Asia, the Himalayas, China, Korea, and Japan. Visitors can explore galleries featuring sculptures, paintings, ceramics, and more, with rotating displays ensuring a fresh experience. Highlights include a 3,000-year-old bronze rhinoceros-shaped vessel and ancient Buddha statues. Originally founded in 1966 as a wing of the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park, the Asian Art Museum moved to its current location in 2003. The museum is housed in a Beaux-Arts building that was formerly the city's main public library, designed by George Kelham in 1917. The building was renovated by Italian architect Gae Aulenti, who also designed the Musée d'Orsay in Paris. The Asian Art Museum offers a variety of programs and events, including guided tours, lectures, and family activities. The museum also features special exhibitions, often showcasing contemporary art and exploring the intersection of Asian art with modern perspectives. Visitors can also enjoy the museum's restaurant, Asian Box, and the Cha May Ching Museum Boutique.

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