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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 contemporary exhibitions.

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The Asian Art Museum in San Francisco houses one of the most comprehensive collections of Asian art in the world, with over 18,000 artworks spanning 6,000 years of history. From ancient sculptures to contemporary video installations, the museum offers a journey through the diverse cultures and traditions of Asia.

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 admission. Advance ticket reservation is recommended.
  • Allow at least 2.5 to 3 hours to tour the entire museum.
  • Check the museum's website for current exhibitions and events.
  • Take public transportation to the museum, as parking can be limited.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Asian Art Museum is easily accessible by public transportation. Take BART or Muni Metro to the Civic Center Station. From there, the museum is a short walk away. A single ride on Muni costs $2.50. A BART trip from downtown San Francisco to Civic Center Station costs approximately $2.15 - $3.00.

  • Walking

    From Civic Center Plaza, walk north on Larkin Street towards City Hall. The Asian Art Museum will be on your left, across from City Hall. The walk is approximately 5 minutes.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in San Francisco. A short ride from Union Square to the Asian Art Museum typically costs between $15 and $25, depending on traffic.

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Discover more about Asian Art Museum

Located in the heart of San Francisco's Civic Center, the Asian Art Museum is home to one of the most extensive collections of Asian art in the world. The museum's collection includes more than 18,000 objects, some dating back 6,000 years. The museum originated from a donation by Avery Brundage, a collector of Asian art. In 2003, the museum moved to its current location in the former San Francisco Public Library, a Beaux-Arts building designed by George Kelham in 1917. The museum's galleries are devoted to the arts of South Asia, Iran, Central Asia, Southeast Asia, the Himalayas, China, Korea, and Japan, featuring a rotating display of more than 2,000 objects. Highlights from the collection include a 3,000-year-old bronze rhinoceros-shaped vessel, the oldest known Chinese Buddha statue, and a Goryeo dynasty celadon pitcher with lid. The museum also hosts large-scale exhibitions of contemporary art, showcasing the works of Asian artists and artworks that highlight Asian culture. The Asian Art Museum offers a variety of programs and events, including guided tours, audio tours, film screenings, and performances. The museum also has a museum boutique where visitors can find handcrafted items from Asia and the Bay Area.

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