San Francisco Museum of Modern Art: Discover modern art masterpieces
The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), one of the largest museums of modern and contemporary art in the United States, features over 33,000 works on display. Its impressive collection spans painting, sculpture, photography, architecture, design, and media arts, all focusing on 20th-century art. Stay on this page to step into an eclectic world of Modern Art.
Why visit San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
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An extensive art collection
The museum flaunts over 33,000 modern and contemporary art works, featuring pieces from renowned artists like Jackson Pollock, Frida Kahlo, and Andy Warhol, making it a treasure trove for art enthusiasts.
Striking architecture
The building, which was redesigned by the Norwegian firm Snøhetta, features a 10-story expansion with undulating white panels inspired by San Francisco’s fog and water that nearly tripled its exhibition space to 170,000 square feet. It is a masterpiece in itself!
One of the largest vertical gardens in the US
The vertical garden at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is one of the largest public living walls in the United States, measuring 4,399 square feet and showcasing 37 different plant species.
Interactive spaces
At SFMOMA, you can find interactive spaces and immersive exhibits like VR art installations and hands-on activities that make art more engaging for everyone.
Museum with a view
The museum’s outdoor terraces offer incredible views of San Francisco’s skyline and the Bay, blending art, architecture, and nature through open-air spaces.
Things to know before booking your tickets
While those 18 years and under can visit the museum for free, all visitors must have a ticket or e-ticket in hand to enter.
You can book complimentary tickets for minors online when purchasing a paid ticket.
Entry to special exhibits will not be included in the admission ticket, they can be added at the ticket desk for a nominal fee.
Minors aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times within SFMOMA premises.
For better prices and ease of access, consider purchasing a combo pass that includes entry to SFMOMA along with other San Francisco attractions including Aquarium of the Bay and Exploratorium.
The best parts of your museum experience
Doris and Donald Fisher Collection
This remarkable private collection is one of the world's largest and includes works by celebrated artists like Andy Warhol, Gerhard Richter, and Alexander Calder. The collection spans postwar and contemporary art, offering a rare, comprehensive view of modern art history.
Photography Collection
The museum’s Pritzker Center for Photography is one of the largest gallery spaces in the US dedicated solely to photography. It holds more than 31,000 photographic works by renowned photographers like Ansel Adams and Dorothea Lange.
Media Arts
A pioneer in media arts, the museum highlights the intersection of art and technology through cutting-edge works in video art, film installations, sound art and immersive installations.
Rooftop Sculpture Garden
This beautiful terrace garden offers an open-air space to view sculptures and installations with sweeping city views, creating a peaceful retreat within the bustling museum.
Contemporary Art Exhibitions
You can frequently find exhibitions at the museum by contemporary artists like Julie Mehretu and others who engage with modern themes that explore current social, political, and cultural themes, reflecting a commitment to showcasing the evolving world of art.
Famous works by American artists
The museum’s collection includes significant works by American greats like Jackson Pollock, Ellsworth Kelly, and Roy Lichtenstein, providing an in-depth look into the evolution of American modernism.
Richard Serra’s Sequence
A monumental steel sculpture invites you to walk through its spiraling paths, creating an immersive and almost meditative experience. It’s one of artist Richard Serra’s largest sculptures, with twisting, towering walls that make you feel transported to another world.
Living Wall
The museum’s outdoor living wall is a massive, lush installation featuring over 19,000 plants, providing a serene natural escape amid the art-filled surroundings. It is a unique green space that beautifully complements the museum’s architecture.
Plan your visit
Open hours:
Monday and Tuesday: 10am to 5pm
Thursday: 12 noon to 8pm
Friday to Sunday: 10am to 5pm
Last admission: 30 minutes before closing Closed: Wednesday Best time to visit: If you aren’t a big fan of crowds, make your way to the museum during the late morning or early afternoon on a weekday which is generally quieter than weekends. Peak season (May to September) coincides with warmer weather and summer tourism, which can lead to larger crowds. Visiting during winter (December to February) ensures a more intimate atmosphere while exploring the museum's collections with fewer visitors.
Address: 151 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States | Find on Maps
Nearby landmark: Museum of the African Diaspora (0.1 mile)
By tram: Take the Muni Light Rail to either the Powell Street or Montgomery Street stations, both of which are within walking distance of the museum. Nearest stop: Market St & 3rd St (5-minute walk)
By bus: Muni bus lines 8, 14, 14R, 15, 30, and 45 stop near the museum, just a short walk away. Nearest stop: Mission St & 3rd St (2-minute walk)
By car: From San Francisco International Airport, take US-101 N and merge onto I-280 N. Take the exit for 5th Street toward Civic Center until you reach Minna Street where the museum's garage is located. Parking: Paid parking is available at the museum garage on 147 Minna Street.
Wheelchair accessible: All the museum entrances and floors are wheelchair accessible.
Wheelchair rentals: Complimentary wheelchairs are available to borrow.
Elevator access: The museum provides elevator access to all floors.
Strollers allowed: Strollers are permitted throughout the museum.
Service animals allowed: You can bring along your service animals to the museum.
Mobility vehicles: Personal mobility devices are welcome throughout the museum.
Audio guides: You can accessfree audio guides through the museum’s audio app.
EV charging stations: The museum offers EV charging stations in its parking garage.
Baby nursing rooms: There arebaby nursing rooms provided for parents within the museum.
Toilets: Restrooms are available on every floor, except for the third floor.
Paid parking: The museum has a paid parking garage nearby.
First aid: First aid services are available in case of emergencies.
Souvenir shop: A gift shop is located off the Third Street entrance.
Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the museum.
Dining outlets: The museum features multiple dining options, including cafes and restaurants like Steps Coffee and Cafe 5.
Do not touch artworks and maintain a safe distance of at least 18 inches from all pieces.
Minors aged 12 years and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times within the museum premises.
DSLR cameras, video cameras, microphones, tripods, selfie-sticks and flash photography are not allowed inside the museum.
Smoking cigarettes and e-cigarettes is not allowed anywhere within the museum premises.
You cannot carry outside food, drinks and glass bottles into the museum.
While standard-size strollers are allowed, some exhibitions may restrict access.
Don’t bring your pets to the museum.
Weapons, large bags, scissors, and other dangerous items are strictly forbidden on museum premises.
Visit one of the various cafés inside the museum premises for a break between your art escapade:
Grace: This restaurant offers a casual dining experience featuring French-American fare in a welcoming atmosphere. Must-try items include their seasonal salads and artisanal sandwiches, along with delightful desserts that change frequently, making each visit unique.
Steps Coffee: A lovely café, Steps Coffee offers illy coffee, tea, and a selection of pastries and desserts in a lively setting. Must-try items include their freshly baked pastries and signature coffee blends, perfect for a quick refreshment while exploring the museum.
Cafe 5: With a delightful indoor/outdoor dining experience, Cafe 5 offers beautiful views of the city skyline and showcases large-scale sculptures. Must-try items include their seasonal lunch specials and artfully crafted desserts, which change frequently to reflect diverse culinary inspirations.
The Museum Store
The souvenir shop at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art offers a curated selection of art-inspired merchandise, making it a perfect stop for unique gifts and memorabilia. You can take home art books, exclusive exhibition catalogs, and designer home goods that reflect the museum's modern aesthetic. With a focus on supporting artists and local creators, the store has a diverse range of products that celebrate creativity and design.
Beyond San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
San Francisco Zoo
Step into this 100-acre urban oasis located between Lake Merced and the Pacific Ocean, that is home to over 2,000 animals. At the San Francisco Zoo, you’ll not only come across a diverse range of animals but also have the chance to feed some, like giraffes and penguins!
At Aquarium of the Bay, you get the opportunity to explore the diverse marine life of the San Francisco Bay. With over 20,000 animals including sharks, rays, and jellyfish, the aquarium is a marine adventure you wouldn’t want to miss.
Alcatraz Island, famously known as "The Rock," is a small island located 1.25 miles offshore from San Francisco. Previously a federal prison, it has housed some of America's most infamous criminals, including Al Capone and George "Machine Gun" Kelly, and is known for dramatic escape attempts by inmates. Today, you can take a day trip from San Francisco to see this infamous island.
Frequently asked questions about San Francisco Museum of Modern Art tickets
With your ticket to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, you gain entry to the museum with access to its extensive collection of over 33,000 modern and contemporary artworks, featuring renowned artists like Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein.
Senior citizens who are older than 65 years, and students with a valid ID can get tickets at a discounted price.
Children and teens below the age of 18 can enter the museum for free.
Yes, admission tickets to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art include access to audio guides. You can download the free SFMOMA Audio app to enjoy an audio tour with commentary about the exhibits and artworks throughout the museum.
Your SFMOMA tickets are not timed but they are dated so you can arrive at any time within museum opening hours on the day your ticket was purchased for.
While there isn’t a limit on the duration of your visit to San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, you will have to leave the museum premises at closing time which is 5pm on most days and 8pm on Thursdays.
Plan to spend around 2-3 hours exploring the galleries of San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, but you can extend your visit to enjoy special exhibitions or have a bite at the museum café.
Uncover world-class modern art at one of the largest museums in the U.S., right in downtown San Francisco.
Everything you get: Enjoy entry to SFMOMA’s vast 170,000 sq. ft. space featuring 33,000+ modern and contemporary artworks from global icons. Wander through 7 art-filled floors, 6 terraces, interactive installations, and sculpture spaces.
Why choose this: Immerse yourself in a creative sanctuary that celebrates bold ideas and artistic expression. Explore exhibits that inspire curiosity, from sculptures and photographs, to video and design.
Inclusions
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Entry to San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
Downloadable audio guide in English, French, German, Japanese, Mandarin, Spanish
What to bring
Bring along your own earphones to enjoy the immersive audio guide during your visit.
What’s not allowed
Please note that food, drinks, smoking, spray paint, weapons, flowers, plants, balloons, motorized equipment, wagons, large strollers, and luggage exceeding 22x14x9 inches are not permitted inside the museum or coat check. Pets are also not allowed.
Photography enthusiasts should remember that tripods, selfie sticks, and flash photography are prohibited within the venue.
Accessibility
The museum is fully wheelchair accessible. Braille and audio signage are available for visitors, and certified guide dogs are welcome.
Additional information
Access to certain special exhibitions can be purchased at the ticket counter for a small additional fee.
These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Tickets
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art Tickets
Uncover world-class modern art at one of the largest museums in the U.S., right in downtown San Francisco.
Everything you get: Enjoy entry to SFMOMA’s vast 170,000 sq. ft. space featuring 33,000+ modern and contemporary artworks from global icons. Wander through 7 art-filled floors, 6 terraces, interactive installations, and sculpture spaces.
Why choose this: Immerse yourself in a creative sanctuary that celebrates bold ideas and artistic expression. Explore exhibits that inspire curiosity, from sculptures and photographs, to video and design.
