All contemporary art museums to visit in San Francisco

Experience the cutting-edge world of contemporary art at 17 museums in San Francisco. These museums showcase works by modern artists, exploring current themes and innovative techniques.

Are you a fan of contemporary art? These are the best contemporary art museums in San Francisco:

  1. De Young Museum1

    De Young Museum

     San Francisco, CA
    The M.H. de Young Museum is one of two museums in San Francisco that are part of the overarching Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. The other museum is the California Palace of the Legion of Honor located in Lincoln Park. These two museums together offer a comprehensive experience of fine arts in the city.
  2. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art2

    San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

     San Francisco, CA
    The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, also known as SFMOMA, is a significant modern art museum and a landmark in the city of San Francisco. It was established in 1935, making it the first museum on the West Coast dedicated solely to 20th-century art. This historical significance adds to the museum's appeal for tourists interested in modern art and the cultural history of San Francisco.
  3. Exploratorium3

    Exploratorium

     San Francisco, CA
    The Exploratorium is a museum of science, technology, and arts in San Francisco, United States. It is characterized as a 'mad scientist's playground, a scientific funhouse, and an experimental laboratory, all in one.' The participatory nature of its exhibits and its self-identification as a center for informal learning has led it to be cited as the prototype for participatory museums worldwide.
  4. Legion of Honor4

    Legion of Honor

     San Francisco, CA
    The Legion of Honor, originally known as the California Palace of the Legion of Honor, is an American art museum that was inaugurated in 1924. It is situated in the city of San Francisco, California. This museum is a part of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco and is a significant cultural landmark in the city.
  5. Yerba Buena Center For the Arts Gallery5

    Yerba Buena Center For the Arts Gallery

     San Francisco, CA
    The Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA) is a contemporary arts center located in San Francisco, California. It is a multi-disciplinary institution that celebrates local, national, and international artists. The center features visual art, performance, and film/video, providing a platform for diverse communities in the Bay Area.
  6. Asian Art Museum6

    Asian Art Museum

     San Francisco, CA
    The Asian Art Museum of San Francisco is home to one of the world's most comprehensive collections of Asian art. It boasts over 18,000 works of art in its permanent collection, some of which date back as far as 6,000 years. This extensive collection provides a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the rich history and diverse cultures of Asia through its art.
  7. de Young - Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco7

    de Young - Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco

     San Francisco, CA
    The new complex of the M.H. de Young Museum was completed in 2005. The building was designed by architects Herzog & de Meuron from Switzerland and Fong & Chang from San Francisco, and it was opened to the public on October 15, 2005. The modern architecture of the museum is a sight to behold in itself, adding to the overall experience of visiting the museum.
  8. Museo Italo Americano8

    Museo Italo Americano

     San Francisco, CA
    The Museo ItaloAmericano, also known as the Italian American Museum, is a cultural institution located in San Francisco, California. The museum's primary focus is on Italian-American history, art, and culture, offering visitors a unique insight into the Italian-American experience through a variety of exhibits and collections.
  9. International Art Museum of America9

    International Art Museum of America

     San Francisco, CA
    The International Art Museum of America (IAMA), previously known as the Superb Art Museum of America, is situated at 1023 Market Street, nestled between 6th and 7th Streets in the South of Market (SoMa) neighborhood of San Francisco, California. This location is easily accessible and is in a vibrant area of the city, making it a convenient stop for tourists exploring San Francisco.
  10. Cartoon Art Museum10

    Cartoon Art Museum

     San Francisco, CA
    The Cartoon Art Museum, located in California, is a unique institution that focuses on the art of comics and cartoons. It holds the distinction of being the only museum in the Western United States that is dedicated to preserving and exhibiting all forms of cartoon art. This makes it a unique destination for art enthusiasts and fans of cartoons and comics.
  11. Southern Exposure11

    Southern Exposure

     San Francisco, CA
    Southern Exposure, also known as SoEx, is a non-profit arts organization and alternative art space that was established in 1974. It is located in the Mission District of San Francisco, California. This organization is dedicated to supporting emerging artists and fostering a vibrant art community.
  12. Museum of the African Diaspora12

    Museum of the African Diaspora

     San Francisco, CA
    The Museum of the African Diaspora, also known as MoAD, is a contemporary art museum situated in the heart of San Francisco, California. It is specifically located at 685 Mission St., nestled within the vibrant Yerba Buena Arts District. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists and locals alike, offering a unique cultural experience amidst the bustling city life.
  13. Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts13

    Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts

     San Francisco, CA
    The Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts (MCCLA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion of Latino arts. Established in 1977, it is situated at 2868 Mission Street in the vibrant Mission District of San Francisco, California. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists interested in exploring the rich Latino culture and arts scene.
  14. Headlands Center For the Arts14

    Headlands Center For the Arts

     San Francisco, CA
    The Headlands Center for the Arts is a unique destination located in the scenic Marin Headlands in Marin County, California. The center is housed in a campus of military buildings that have been artistically renovated, providing a unique blend of history and creativity. This location not only offers a glimpse into the world of contemporary art but also allows visitors to explore the rich history of the area, which was once a military installation.
  15. CCA Wattis Institute For Contemporary Arts15

    CCA Wattis Institute For Contemporary Arts

     San Francisco, CA
    The Wattis Institute for Contemporary Arts, established in 1998, is a renowned contemporary art center located in San Francisco, California. It is an integral part of the California College of the Arts, contributing to the vibrant arts scene of the city.
  16. 16

    Museum of Craft and Design

     San Francisco, CA
    A museum devoted to showcasing contemporary craft and design. Its exhibitions are primarily focused on everyday usage of design.
  17. 17

    The Mexican Museum

     San Francisco, CA
    The Mexican Museum, located in San Francisco, California, was established to showcase the aesthetic expression of the Latino, Chicano, Mexican, and Mexican-American communities. This institution serves as a platform for these cultures to display their artistic contributions and heritage, making it a significant cultural hub in the city.