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.

Plan a trip to see San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Bay Landing San Francisco Airport Hotel
Argonaut Hotel

Reviews of San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
720
5 - Excellent 62%
4 - Good
346
4 - Good 30%
3 - Okay
68
3 - Okay 6%
2 - Disappointing
12
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
15
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Pretty interesting place and we are not modern art people but it was a good laugh for most of our tour . It was free because of Family Day. Check their website and SFMOMA has free family admissions every 6 months. Staff were friendly and the art works were very enjoyable.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

too expensive. Andy Warhol was wonderful.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Buy ticket beforehsnd

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

The Andy Warhol exhibit was great!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Was surprised to learn it was closed on Wednesdays. Loved the Andy Warhol exhibit.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I went to s Monét Show at DeYoung as sole reason got my trip. I’m an Artist.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

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
Handlery Union Square Hotel

Handlery Union Square Hotel

3.5 out of 5
351 Geary St, San Francisco, CA
Handlery Union Square Hotel
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
Chancellor Hotel on Union Square

Chancellor Hotel on Union Square

3.5 out of 5
433 Powell St, San Francisco, CA
Chancellor Hotel on Union Square
Hyatt Regency San Francisco

Hyatt Regency San Francisco

4 out of 5
5 Embarcadero Center, San Francisco, CA
Hyatt Regency San Francisco
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
Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Francisco

Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Francisco

5 out of 5
2 New Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA
Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Francisco
InterContinental San Francisco by IHG

InterContinental San Francisco by IHG

4 out of 5
888 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA
InterContinental San Francisco by IHG
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

While visiting the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, immerse yourself in the vibrant world of contemporary art. Explore nearby attractions such as engaging theater performances, unique shopping experiences, and additional art venues. The museum offers a rich selection of modern works that will inspire and captivate any art enthusiast, making it a must-see destination in San Francisco.

Shopping

At the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, you can enjoy shopping at Ghirardelli Square, just 3.2km away, offering a vibrant atmosphere. Don't miss Boudin Bakery and Winery Collective, both also 3.2km from the museum, for unique gifts and souvenirs.

Recreation

Oracle Park, located 1.3km from the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, offers an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts. Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, 1.6km away, provides a lively venue for music lovers. For a fun twist, the Yerba Buena Ice Skating Center, only 322m away, combines adventure with entertainment.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of ice skating at Union Square Ice Rink, located 644m from the museum. For a scenic hike, explore the Ecology Trail, 1.6km away, offering beautiful outdoor views. Lastly, enjoy the fresh air along Perimeter Road, situated 8.0km from the museum.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Catch a captivating show at the Orpheum Theatre, enjoy a movie at Sundance Kabuki Cinemas, or immerse yourself in orchestral sounds at Louise Davies Symphony Hall. Each venue offers a unique blend of romance and entertainment.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

While visiting the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, explore nearby urban parks and galleries that celebrate the city's vibrant culture. Enjoy family-friendly experiences and discover the artistic treasures around the museum, including other art institutions and attractions. Whether you're looking for modern art or a relaxing stroll, the area offers a variety of points of interest that cater to diverse interests and enhance your visit to this iconic destination.

  • Pier 39: A lively destination, Pier 39 offers stunning views of the bay and the iconic sea lions lounging along the docks. Enjoy a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, all while soaking in the vibrant urban atmosphere and friendly local vibes.
  • Moscone Convention Center: This modern event venue is a hub for conferences and expos, showcasing cutting-edge design and technology. Its proximity to the museum makes it an ideal spot for professionals and visitors alike, creating a dynamic business environment.
  • Lombard Street: Known as the crookedest street in the world, Lombard Street features eight sharp turns and beautifully manicured gardens. Walking or driving down this iconic street offers a unique glimpse into San Francisco's charming city vibes and picturesque scenery.

Best time to go to San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

The best time to visit San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. September is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
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 RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May58.1°F (14.5°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
June62.1°F (16.7°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
July63.1°F (17.3°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
August64.2°F (17.9°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
September64.9°F (18.3°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
October62.6°F (17.0°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly High
November56.1°F (13.4°C)No RainMostly 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 traveling in February or November to December when accommodation prices are lower. Booking your stay on a Friday may also help you save, as it tends to be less expensive than Tuesday. Use Expedia’s search tool to find great deals by filtering prices from lowest to highest, and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Look out for modern art hotel deals, free nights, and instant savings to maximize your budget while enjoying the vibrant art scene.

  • 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 August to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is Friday. The most expensive day to stay around San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is Tuesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation for the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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