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Asian Art Museum: A Journey Through Asian Cultures

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 one of the most comprehensive collections of Asian art in the world, with over 18,000 artworks spanning 6,000 years of history. Located in the Civic Center, it offers visitors an immersive experience into the diverse cultures 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 to the main galleries.
  • Download the museum's mobile app for a GPS-enabled, personalized tour.
  • Take public transportation, as parking can be limited and expensive.
  • Check the museum's website for daily guided tour schedules and special exhibitions.
  • Allow at least 2.5 to 3 hours to fully explore the museum's collections.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From downtown 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 onto Fulton Street, and turn right on Larkin Street. The museum is one block down on the right. A single ride on BART or Muni Metro costs approximately $2.50 - $4.00.

  • Walking

    From Union Square, walk southwest on Geary Street towards Powell Street. Turn right onto Powell Street and continue to Market Street. Turn left onto Market Street and walk towards Civic Center. Turn right onto Larkin Street. The museum will be on your left. The walk is approximately 1.2 miles and should take about 25-30 minutes.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available throughout San Francisco. A taxi ride from Union Square to the Asian Art Museum typically costs $10-$15, depending on traffic. San Francisco taxi fares are $4.15 for the first 1/5th of a mile, $0.65 for each additional 1/5th of a mile, and $0.65 for each minute of waiting or traffic delay.

  • Driving

    From Highway 101, take the Ninth Street exit. Continue on Ninth Street, turn right onto Hayes Street, then turn right onto Larkin Street. The museum will be on your right. There is no on-site parking. However, there are two parking garages within one block of the museum: the Civic Center Garage (355 McAllister Street) and the UC Hastings Parking Garage (376 Larkin Street). Parking rates range from $6-$8 per hour, 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

The Asian Art Museum, located in San Francisco's Civic Center, is a treasure trove of Asian art and culture. With a collection of over 18,000 objects, some dating back 6,000 years, the museum offers a journey through the diverse cultures of Asia. The museum's collection represents major Asian countries and traditions, including art from South Asia, Iran, Central Asia, Southeast Asia, the Himalayas, China, Korea, and Japan. The galleries feature a rotating display of over 2,000 objects, ensuring a fresh experience with each visit. Visitors can explore sculptures, paintings, ceramics, and textiles, each telling a story of the rich artistic heritage of Asia. The museum's origins trace back to Avery Brundage, a Chicago millionaire who donated his extensive collection of Asian art to the city of San Francisco. Initially housed in the de Young Museum, the collection grew, necessitating a separate space. In 2003, the Asian Art Museum moved to its current location in the former San Francisco Public Library, a Beaux-Arts building designed in 1917. Today, the Asian Art Museum continues to expand its collection and engage with contemporary art. It hosts large-scale exhibitions of contemporary art, blending modern perspectives with historical pieces. The museum also offers free guided tours and multimedia tours, enhancing the visitor experience.

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