de Young Museum: Art, Architecture, and Panoramic Views
Explore American and international art at San Francisco's de Young Museum, with stunning architecture and panoramic city views in Golden Gate Park.
The de Young Museum, formally the M. H. de Young Memorial Museum, stands as a cultural landmark in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. Named after early 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 museums in the United States. The de Young's collections span a wide range of art from around the world. Visitors can explore American art from the 17th through the 21st centuries, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. The museum also boasts extensive collections of textiles and costumes, African art, Oceanic art, and art from the Americas. Special exhibitions feature cutting-edge works from respected artists, ensuring a dynamic and engaging experience for every visitor. The museum's distinctive copper-clad design is a work of art in itself. The iconic Hamon Observation Tower offers breathtaking panoramic views of San Francisco and the surrounding area. The Barbro Osher Sculpture Garden, located behind the museum, provides a space to witness unique and creative pieces of art, free-of-charge. General admission to the permanent collection is free on the first Tuesday of every month and every Saturday for residents of the nine Bay Area counties. The de Young also offers free docent-led tours to special exhibits.
Local tips
- Visit on the first Tuesday of the month for free admission to the permanent collection.
- Take the elevator to the Hamon Observation Tower for panoramic views of San Francisco.
- Explore the Barbro Osher Sculpture Garden behind the museum for free art installations.
- Check the de Young's website for information on special exhibitions and events.
- Arrive early to sign up in person for a free docent-led tour.
A brief summary to de Young Museum
- 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr, San Francisco, Golden Gate Park, California, 94118, US
- +1415-750-3600
- Visit website
- 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
Getting There
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Public Transport
From downtown San Francisco, take the N Judah Muni Metro line to the 9th Avenue and Irving Street station. From there, it's approximately a half-mile walk to the de Young Museum. Alternatively, several Muni bus lines, including the 5, 5R, 28, 28R, and 44, stop near the museum. A single Muni fare is $3.00, or $2.50 if using the MuniMobile app.
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Walking
If you are already in Golden Gate Park, follow signs towards the Japanese Tea Garden and the California Academy of Sciences; the de Young Museum is located nearby, across from the Academy of Sciences. Walking from the Japanese Tea Garden takes only a few minutes. No costs are associated with this approach.
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Driving
From most parts of San Francisco, drive towards 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, with entrances on Fulton Street and Concourse Drive. Parking rates in the garage are around $5.25 per hour on weekdays and $6.25 per hour on weekends. Be aware of street parking restrictions and time limits.
