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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.

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The Asian Art Museum in San Francisco houses a vast collection of Asian art spanning 6,000 years of history. Located in the Civic Center, the museum showcases art from various Asian countries and traditions, offering visitors a deep dive into the continent's diverse cultures.

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.
  • Take public transportation, as parking can be limited and expensive.
  • Download the museum's mobile guide for a self-guided tour.
  • Check the museum's website for information on current exhibitions and events.
  • Visit after 5 p.m. on Thursdays for discounted admission.
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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 Station. Follow the signs to the UN Plaza exit. Walk past the Simón Bolívar statue, cross Hyde Street, and turn right onto Larkin Street. The museum will be on your right. A single ride on BART or Muni Metro costs approximately $2.50 - $4.00.

  • Walking

    From Union Square, walk southwest on Market Street towards Powell Street. Turn right onto Hyde Street and walk north for approximately 0.6 miles. Turn left onto Fulton Street, then right onto Larkin Street. The museum will be on your right. The walk is approximately 1.5 miles and should take about 30 minutes.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available throughout San Francisco. A taxi or ride-share from Union Square to the Asian Art Museum typically costs $10-$15, depending on traffic.

  • Driving

    If driving, approach the museum via the US-101 or I-80 freeways. Exit onto local streets and navigate to the Civic Center area. Note that parking near the museum is limited. Several parking garages are available, including the Civic Center Garage (355 McAllister Street) and the UC Hastings College of Law Garage (376 Larkin Street). Hourly parking rates at these garages range from $6-$8, with daily maximums of $32-$35. Metered street parking is also available, with rates varying from $0.50 to $4.50 per hour.

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Discover more about Asian Art Museum

Located in San Francisco's Civic Center, the Asian Art Museum is home to one of the most comprehensive collections of Asian art in the world. With over 18,000 artworks, some dating back 6,000 years, the museum represents major Asian countries and traditions, as well as the global Asian diaspora. The museum's collection includes art from South Asia, Iran, Central Asia, Southeast Asia, the Himalayas, China, Korea, and Japan. Visitors can explore a rotating display of over 2,000 objects, including sculptures, paintings, ceramics, and textiles. The museum also hosts special and traveling exhibitions, showcasing both historical and contemporary art. The Asian Art Museum originated from a donation by Avery Brundage, a collector of Asian art. The museum first opened in 1966 as a wing of the M.H. de Young Memorial Museum in Golden Gate Park. In 2003, the museum moved to its current location in the former San Francisco city library, a Beaux-Arts building designed by George Kelham. The building was renovated by Italian architect Gae Aulenti, who also designed the Musée d'Orsay in Paris. The museum offers free guided tours daily, led by knowledgeable docents. Visitors can also download the museum's mobile guide for a self-guided tour. The museum also has a restaurant, Asian Box, and a museum store.

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