San Francisco Museum of Modern Art Tours

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art featuring a city
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art showing signage
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art showing interior views and art
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art featuring outdoor art
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art featuring a city


Displaying artworks from Frida Kahlo to Andy Warhol, this museum of modern and contemporary art is one of the largest of its kind in the United States.

If you’re a fledgling art enthusiast, a prominent collector or something in between, take time to visit the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. World-renowned SFMOMA features artists from around the world, an outdoor sculpture garden, a 30-foot-high (9-meter) living wall, restaurants and more.

SFMOMA was founded in 1935 as the West Coast’s first museum dedicated solely to 20th-century artwork. After a recent expansion, the museum houses paintings, photography, sculpture, architecture, design and media arts. Buy an admission ticket to explore all seven gallery floors.

Rotating exhibits have included panels by Julie Mehretu, art by Sol LeWitt and JR’s digital mural celebrating the people of San Francisco. Outside, don’t miss the Living Wall, a huge oasis of greenery.

For an in-depth look at the museum and its collection of more than 33,000 works, consider an interactive tour led by a museum guide. Exhibition Tours are 45 minutes long and focus on a single exhibition. Spotlight Tours are 20 minutes long, focusing on a single artist or piece of art.

Check out the Doris and Donald Fisher Collection, an impressive, private collection of contemporary art. The Fishers are the founders of the well-known Gap brand. They share their extensive artwork with the museum, including American pop, minimalist art, German art and figurative art.

Stop into family-friendly Cafe 5 for California fusion cuisine or Michelin-starred In Situ for entrees from more than 90 chefs from all over the world. On the second floor in the museum’s free public area, Sightglass serves lighter fare, handcrafted coffee beverages and pastries.

Don’t miss the museum store, the perfect place to pick up a souvenir or gift. Select something for everyone on your list from cut-glass bud vases, creative book lamps, art books, toys, jewelry and more.

Visit the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art in San Francisco’s SoMa district any day but Wednesday. SFMOMA is close to the Yerba Buena Gardens and the Moscone Center. Travel here by public transportation stops near the museum include BART and Muni. There is also a parking garage near the main entrance. Use the SFMOMA website to book admission tickets in advance.

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Best Lodging Options Near San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

4 out of 5
2500 Mason St, San Francisco, CA
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Handlery Union Square Hotel

Handlery Union Square Hotel

3.5 out of 5
351 Geary St, San Francisco, CA
Handlery Union Square Hotel
Parc 55 San Francisco - A Hilton Hotel

Parc 55 San Francisco - A Hilton Hotel

4 out of 5
55 Cyril Magnin St, San Francisco, CA
Parc 55 San Francisco - A Hilton Hotel
Hilton San Francisco Union Square

Hilton San Francisco Union Square

4 out of 5
333 O'Farrell St., San Francisco, CA
Hilton San Francisco Union Square
Hyatt Regency San Francisco

Hyatt Regency San Francisco

4 out of 5
5 Embarcadero Center, San Francisco, CA
Hyatt Regency San Francisco
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

3.5 out of 5
1500 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Hilton San Francisco Financial District

Hilton San Francisco Financial District

4 out of 5
750 Kearny St, San Francisco, CA
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco

Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco

4 out of 5
424 Clay St, San Francisco, CA
Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco
Hyatt Regency San Francisco Downtown SOMA

Hyatt Regency San Francisco Downtown SOMA

4 out of 5
50 3rd St, San Francisco, CA
Hyatt Regency San Francisco Downtown SOMA
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

When visiting the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, don't miss the nearby attractions like the iconic cable car rides and the vibrant SF Jazz Center. Explore fascinating museums in the area, perfect for art enthusiasts. Additionally, enjoy shopping and theater experiences nearby, and consider taking a tour of the museum by car for a unique perspective of the city's art scene.

Food and drinks

Indulge in delicious sourdough at Boudin Bakery, savor Mediterranean flavors at Zuni Café, or enjoy a meal at the museum's own restaurant. For a unique experience, visit Anchor Brewing Company or St. George Spirits for craft brews and spirits, both offering lively atmospheres.

Shopping

Visit Ghirardelli Square, a vibrant shopping center just 2 miles from the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, featuring family-friendly shops and entertainment. Also nearby is Boudin Bakery, 2 miles away, renowned for its delicious sourdough. If you're up for a drive, check out Public Market Emeryville, located 7 miles away.

Recreation

Experience the energetic atmosphere at the Chase Center, just a mile from the museum, perfect for sports enthusiasts. Enjoy luxury at the Pacific-Union Club, 0.7 miles away, or have fun at the Yerba Buena Ice Skating Center, only 0.2 miles away, offering adventure and entertainment.

Adventure

The Union Square Ice Rink offers a thrilling winter experience, located 0.4 mile from the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Enjoy the excitement of skating amidst the vibrant atmosphere of Union Square. For a unique ride, hop on the Cable Car Turntable, also 0.4 mile away, and relish the historic charm of San Francisco.

For nature enthusiasts, the Ecology Trail, situated 1 mile from the museum, provides a scenic hiking experience, showcasing the beauty of the outdoors and a sense of adventure.

Nightlife

In San Francisco, the Orpheum Theatre showcases captivating performances just 0.9 miles away, perfect for a romantic evening. The Paramount Theatre, 7 miles from the museum, offers a cinematic experience, while the San Francisco Carousel, 2 miles away, provides a whimsical outdoor atmosphere for families.

Find the best attractions near San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

In and around the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, visitors can enjoy a variety of attractions, including urban parks, beaches, and historic colleges. Perfect for those seeking culture, family-friendly activities, and outdoor experiences, nearby highlights include the museum itself, Union Square, the Theater District, and Ghirardelli Square. These spots offer a blend of art, entertainment, and scenic beauty, making for an unforgettable trip to San Francisco.

  • Pier 39: Experience the lively atmosphere of Pier 39, a bustling jetty just 2 miles away from the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Enjoy waterfront dining, boutique shopping, and the adorable sea lions that bask on the docks while soaking in stunning bay views.
  • Moscone Convention Center: Located just 0.1 mile from the museum, Moscone Convention Center is a hub for business and innovation. While primarily an event venue, its modern architecture and the surrounding area offer a vibrant urban experience, perfect for networking and exploring.
  • Golden Gate Bridge: A true icon of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, located 4 miles from the museum, showcases breathtaking views and rich cultural history. Walk or bike across this historic bridge for unforgettable photo opportunities and panoramic sights of the bay.

Best time to go to San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

Visitor numbers around San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit San Francisco Museum of Modern Art can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around San Francisco Museum of Modern Art falls in September, when visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around San Francisco Museum of Modern Art falls in December, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January51.4°F (10.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
February52.2°F (11.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March53.4°F (11.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
April55.8°F (13.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May58.1°F (14.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
June62.1°F (16.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
July63.1°F (17.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August64.2°F (17.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
September64.9°F (18.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
October62.6°F (17.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowAverage
November56.1°F (13.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December51.3°F (10.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

To save money during your visit to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, consider exploring nearby free attractions like Pier 39, Golden Gate Park, and the Presidio. Visit in February or November to December for lower hotel rates, and book your stay about a month in advance for the best deals. Use Expedia to find discounted packages that combine flights and accommodations, and join their One Key membership for exclusive offers. Additionally, take advantage of last-minute deals for spontaneous savings and ensure to filter your search for the best prices on hotels.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around San Francisco Museum of Modern Art are February and November to December, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To discover the best prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by booking an Expedia package that combines your hotel stay at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art with your flights and activities.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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