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Museum of the African Diaspora: A Cultural Beacon

Explore Black cultures and the African Diaspora through contemporary art at San Francisco's Museum of the African Diaspora.

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The Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD) in San Francisco celebrates Black cultures and the African Diaspora through contemporary art exhibitions and community engagement. Located in the Yerba Buena Arts District, MoAD offers a global lens on the diverse experiences of people of African descent.

A brief summary to Museum of the African Diaspora

  • Wednesday 11 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 11 am-6 pm
  • Friday 11 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 11 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 12 pm-5 pm

Local tips

  • Check the MoAD website for current exhibitions, events, and visiting hours, as they may vary.
  • Take public transportation, as parking in the area can be limited and expensive.
  • Visit on the second Saturday of the month for free admission, courtesy of Kaiser Permanente.
  • Consider becoming a member to support MoAD's mission and enjoy benefits like free admission and discounts.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Montgomery Street Station (BART or Muni Metro), walk south on Montgomery Street, turn left on Mission Street, and continue east for several blocks until you reach 685 Mission Street. Muni Bus lines 14-Mission or 49-Van Ness: Get off at the 'Mission St & 6th St' stop (14-Mission) or 'Mission St & 5th St' stop (49-Van Ness). Walk east along Mission Street until you arrive at 685 Mission St. Single-ride fares for Muni and BART vary depending on distance, but a short trip will typically cost between $2.50 and $3.50.

  • Walking

    If you are in the SoMa area, the museum is easily accessible by foot. Head towards Mission Street. The Museum of the African Diaspora is located at 685 Mission St, just past the intersection with 3rd Street. Walking from Union Square takes approximately 15-20 minutes.

  • Ride Share/Taxi

    Request a ride to 685 Mission Street, San Francisco. Typical cost from downtown San Francisco (e.g., Union Square) ranges from $15-$25, depending on traffic and surge pricing.

  • Parking

    There is no on-site parking at the Museum. Several parking garages are located near the museum. Nearby parking options include: * 1 St Francis Pl. Garage (333 3rd St.) - approximately $6 for 2 hours. * 60 Tehama St - Valet - Assist Lot - approximately $10. Parking rates can vary.

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Discover more about Museum of the African Diaspora

The Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD), situated in San Francisco's vibrant Yerba Buena Arts District, stands as a cultural institution dedicated to celebrating Black cultures and fostering challenging conversations through the global lens of the African Diaspora. Since opening in 2005, MoAD has been a space for exploring the history, art, and cultural richness resulting from the dispersal of Africans worldwide. MoAD's mission is to connect all people through their shared African heritage, showcasing the diverse experiences and contributions of the African Diaspora. The museum achieves this through a dynamic program of exhibitions, educational initiatives, and public programs. Unlike traditional museums, MoAD does not maintain a permanent collection, instead focusing on presenting contemporary art exhibitions that reflect the evolving narratives of the Diaspora. These exhibitions often feature emerging and established artists from around the world, providing a platform for under-represented voices and perspectives. Visitors to MoAD can expect to encounter a range of artistic mediums, including photography, sculpture, and video installations, all thoughtfully curated to encourage reflection and dialogue. The museum also hosts a variety of events, workshops, and lectures that further enrich the visitor experience, providing deeper insights into the themes explored in the exhibitions. MoAD is actively involved in the community, collaborating with local artists and cultural organizations to foster inclusivity and celebrate the ongoing contributions of the African Diaspora to contemporary society. MoAD temporarily closed in 2025 for interior upgrades and new exhibitions and is scheduled to reopen in October 2025 with the opening of the new exhibition, *UNBOUND*, and Nexus: SF/Bay Area Black Art Week as part of its 20th-anniversary celebration.

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