Calling all art and culture enthusiasts. Did you know that many of the city's top museums offer free admission days at least once a month? It's the perfect opportunity to explore iconic exhibits and immerse yourself in the vibrant arts scene. From the de Young Museum to the Asian Art Museum, there are plenty of opportunities to explore art, history, and science in the NEMA San Francisco neighborhood and beyond. Check out our convenient list and mark your calendars for some art-filled adventures:
Asian Art Museum, First Sundays. One of the largest museums in the Western world devoted exclusively to Asian art with a collection of over 17,000 artworks spanning 6,000 years of history. On the first Sunday of each month, general admission is free and tickets to special exhibitions are offered at a discounted price.
SFMOMA, First Thursdays. SFMOMA is one of the largest museums of modern and contemporary art in the US and a thriving cultural center for the Bay Area. In addition to the remarkable seven gallery floors, SFMOMA offers 45,000 square feet of free, art-filled public space open to all. From noon–8 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month, Bay Area residents can enjoy SFMOMA’s galleries filled with lively and inspiring art and related events — for free.
Contemporary Jewish Museum, First Fridays. The Contemporary Jewish Museum in San Francisco focuses on the history, art, and ideas of the Jewish community. It's a non-collective museum, which means the majority of their exhibits are only on display for a limited amount of time.
Legion of Honor, First Tuesdays & Every Saturday. This exquisite Beaux-Arts building, located on a perch with an unbelievable view overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge, houses a collection of 4,000 years of ancient and European arts. Every Saturday they offer free general admission to all residents of the nine Bay Area counties. General admission is free the first Tuesday of every month.
de Young Museum, First Tuesdays & Every Saturday. One of the most visited art museums in the country, the de Young showcases a priceless collection of American art from the 17th through 20th centuries along with art from Central and South America and the Pacific, in addition to an impressive collection of textiles.
Conservatory of Flowers, First Tuesdays. Set in a landmark building — the oldest public wood-and-glass conservatory in North America — the Conservatory of Flowers inspires awe and fascination with its rare and exotic plant collection.
Japanese Tea Garden, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 9-10am. Welcome to the oldest operating public Japanese Garden in North America. Natural beauty and tranquility greet you amongst graceful Japanese maples, twisting pines, clipped azaleas, and cherry trees.
San Francisco Botanical Garden, Daily 7:30am – 9am & the 2nd Tuesday of every month. Explore 55 beautiful acres of landscaped gardens and open spaces that showcase more than 8,000 different kinds of plants from around the world. Accessible to all.
GLBT Historical Society Museum, First Wednesdays. The GLBT Historical Society collects, preserves, exhibits and makes accessible to the public materials and knowledge to support and promote understanding of LGBTQ history, culture and arts in all their diversity. The museum is free to all visitors the first Wednesday of every month, sponsored by the Bob Ross Foundation.
Museum Of The African Diaspora, Second Saturdays. MoAD celebrates Black cultures, ignites challenging conversations, and inspires learning through the global lens of the African Diaspora. Admission is FREE on the second Saturday of each month thanks to KP Thrive.
Museum of Craft and Design, Pay What You Can Wednesdays. The Museum of Craft and Design is the only museum in San Francisco devoted to craft and design. Founded in 2004, MCD showcases designers, makers and artists through an exciting and distinctive series of craft and design-focused exhibitions and public programs. Every Wednesday, we invite visitors to experience the museum and pay what they wish for admission.
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