San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA): Discover Cutting-Edge Modern & Contemporary Masterpieces in the Heart of SoMa

Claim to Fame

SFMOMA is one of the largest modern and contemporary art institutions in the United States—housing over 33,000 works across painting, sculpture, photography, architecture, and media arts in a landmark Renzo Piano–designed building.

📌 Navigating San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) : Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Washrooms: Washrooms are available on every floor of the museum, including accessible facilities.
Hours of Operation: SFMOMA is typically open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, with extended hours on Thursdays and Fridays until 9 PM.
Important Information: It is recommended to check the museum's website for current exhibitions, special events, and any COVID-19 guidelines before your visit.
Admission Fee: Admission fees vary by age and membership status, with discounts available for students, seniors, and youth.
How Long to Visit: A visit to SFMOMA usually takes around 2 to 4 hours, depending on personal interest in the exhibits.
Parking: SFMOMA offers a limited number of parking spaces in its underground garage, and additional parking is available in nearby lots and street parking.
Family Friendly: SFMOMA is family-friendly, featuring interactive art installations and family programs designed to engage children and parents alike.
Photography: Photography for personal use is permitted in certain areas, but flash photography and tripods are not allowed.
WIFI: Free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the museum for all visitors.
Picnic Area: There is no designated picnic area within the museum, but visitors can enjoy outdoor spaces nearby.
Handicap Accessible: The museum is fully handicap accessible, with ramps, elevators, and designated seating areas throughout the galleries.
Pets: Pets are not allowed inside the museum, with the exception of service animals.
Guided Tours: Guided tours are available and can be booked in advance, providing insights into the museum's collection and exhibitions.
Restaurant or Cafe: The museum features a café that offers a variety of dining options, including seasonal menus and locally sourced ingredients.
Gift Shop: SFMOMA has a gift shop that offers a curated selection of art books, unique gifts, and souvenirs related to modern and contemporary art.

📌Heads up: All times, prices and visitor policies are subject to change without notice. Please check the official website for the most recent information.

Photos of San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)

Occupying a striking nine-story facility at 151 Third Street, SFMOMA immerses visitors in transformative art experiences. Its galleries showcase iconic works by Warhol, de Kooning, and Hockney alongside groundbreaking installations by contemporary voices such as Olafur Eliasson and Kara Walker. The museum’s 2016 expansion by Snøhetta added light-filled galleries, the Living Wall, and a rooftop terrace with sweeping city views—making SFMOMA a dynamic cultural anchor in San Francisco’s South of Market neighborhood.

What to Expect

Explore six floors of permanent collections and rotating exhibitions spanning abstract expressionism, pop art, photography, and digital media. Key highlights include the Robert Mapplethorpe photography galleries, the Doris and Donald Fisher Collection of contemporary masterpieces, and immersive installations in the Phyllis C. Wattis Theater. Don’t miss the Living Wall—an indoor vertical garden by Patrick Blanc—and the airy Roberts Family Gallery featuring large-scale works. The third-floor café and rooftop terrace provide ideal spots to reflect on the art and city skyline.

Interactive experiences—such as the Open Studio design lab and multimedia stations—invite creative engagement, while thematic gallery talks and artist Q&As deepen understanding. Family programs and free Art Cart activities ensure SFMOMA welcomes visitors of all ages and backgrounds.

Background and Cultural Context

Founded in 1935 as the nation’s first museum on the West Coast devoted to modern art, SFMOMA opened its Mario Botta–designed building in 1995. The 2016 expansion nearly tripled gallery space and emphasized interdisciplinary dialogue across architecture, design, and visual art. SFMOMA’s commitment to regional and global perspectives has fostered acquisitions of Latin American, African, and Asian contemporary works, reflecting San Francisco’s diverse cultural tapestry.

Through pioneering programs—Artist in Residence, SFMOMA-ARTISTxARTIST partnerships, and digital initiatives—the museum advances art’s role in social discourse, environmental awareness, and technological innovation. Its archives and library serve scholars worldwide, underpinning research in modern art history and museum studies.

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings (10–12 PM) offer the quietest galleries and best light in the Living Wall area. Thursdays after 6 PM (Target Free Nights) provide complimentary admission but can attract larger crowds. Late afternoons (3–5 PM) allow you to enjoy the rooftop terrace at sunset. For special exhibitions, reserve timed-entry tickets online at least a week in advance to guarantee access.

How to Get There

SFMOMA is located at 151 Third Street (between Mission and Folsom) in the SoMa district. BART: Montgomery or Powell Station, then a 10-minute walk. Muni: F Market streetcar or 8, 10, 30, 45 buses to Third Street. Bike racks and Citibike docks sit outside the main entrance. Limited garage parking is available beneath the museum; public transit is recommended to avoid high rates and traffic.

Photo Opportunities

The lush vertical Living Wall framed by the museum’s white gallery walls
Panorama of the rooftop terrace with the San Francisco skyline at sunset
Abstract shapes in the Louise Davies Gallery filled with light from the skylights
Close-up of a Warhol Marilyn Diptych in the Fisher Collection
Interactive Open Studio installations with visitors creating in real time

Travel Tips

Purchase timed-entry tickets online to skip the admissions line and secure peak-exhibition access.
Download the SFMOMA app for audio guides, gallery maps, and artist interviews to enrich your visit.
Allow 2–3 hours to explore both permanent and special exhibitions at a comfortable pace.
Combine your visit with a walk through the nearby Yerba Buena Gardens or a stop at the Contemporary Jewish Museum just blocks away.
Check the museum’s calendar for free “Teen Nights,” lecture series, and late-night events enhancing community engagement.

FAQs

Is photography allowed?
Non-flash, non-tripod photography is permitted in most galleries; check signage for restrictions in special exhibitions.

Are guided tours available?
Yes—group tours and daily public highlights tours depart from the information desk; specialized curator-led tours can be booked in advance.

Is the museum accessible?
Fully ADA-compliant with elevators, ramps, and assistive listening devices; wheelchairs are available free at the information desk.

Are food and drink allowed?
Only in designated café and terrace areas; water bottles with secure lids are permitted in galleries.

Final Thoughts

SFMOMA stands as a beacon of modern and contemporary art on the West Coast—where architectural innovation meets an ever-evolving collection. Whether you’re encountering seminal masterpieces, engaging in hands-on creativity, or simply absorbing city vistas from the rooftop, SFMOMA delivers an inspiring fusion of art, design, and community in the heart of San Francisco.

Things To Do near San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)

Union Square

The Distance from San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) to Union Square is 1 Kilometer(s) / 0.6 Mile(s)

Chinatown

The Distance from San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) to Chinatown is 1.8 Kilometer(s) / 1.1 Mile(s)

Exploratorium

The Distance from San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) to Exploratorium is 2.7 Kilometer(s) / 1.7 Mile(s)

Fisherman's Wharf

The Distance from San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) to Fisherman's Wharf is 4.7 Kilometer(s) / 2.9 Mile(s)

Palace of Fine Arts

The Distance from San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) to Palace of Fine Arts is 7.2 Kilometer(s) / 4.5 Mile(s)

Alcatraz Island

The Distance from San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) to Alcatraz Island is 7.9 Kilometer(s) / 4.9 Mile(s)

California Academy of Sciences

The Distance from San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) to California Academy of Sciences is 9.7 Kilometer(s) / 6 Mile(s)

Japanese Tea Garden

The Distance from San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) to Japanese Tea Garden is 10.1 Kilometer(s) / 6.3 Mile(s)

Golden Gate Park

The Distance from San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) to Golden Gate Park is 12.4 Kilometer(s) / 7.7 Mile(s)

Golden Gate Bridge

The Distance from San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) to Golden Gate Bridge is 12.6 Kilometer(s) / 7.8 Mile(s)

📘 San Francisco Visitors Travel Information

Time Zone: San Francisco operates on Pacific Standard Time (PST), which is UTC -8. During Daylight Saving Time, it shifts to Pacific Daylight Time (PDT), UTC -7.

Weather: San Francisco has a Mediterranean climate with cool, foggy summers and mild, wet winters. Average summer highs are around 19°C (66°F), while winter temperatures typically range from 8°C to 14°C (46°F to 57°F). Coastal fog is common, especially in the mornings.

Population: San Francisco has a population of approximately 815,000 people, with over 4.5 million in the greater Bay Area. The city is known for its diversity, progressive culture, and vibrant tech economy.

Size: San Francisco spans about 121 square kilometers (47 square miles), making it one of the most compact major cities in the U.S. It is built on steep hills and surrounded on three sides by water, contributing to its iconic skyline.

Language: English is the primary language spoken in San Francisco. Due to the city’s diversity, many residents also speak Spanish, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Tagalog, and other languages.

Currency: The official currency is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit cards, mobile payments, and contactless systems are widely accepted across the city.

Safety: San Francisco is generally safe, especially in tourist areas. However, petty crimes like car break-ins and theft can occur. Visitors should avoid leaving valuables in parked vehicles and stay alert in certain neighborhoods.

Tipping: Tipping is standard in San Francisco. A 15–20% tip is customary in restaurants, and gratuities are also expected for taxi drivers, hotel staff, and other service providers.

Electricity and Plugs: The United States uses 120V electricity at 60Hz. Plug types A and B are standard. Travelers from countries using other systems should bring an adapter and possibly a voltage converter.

Water: Tap water in San Francisco is safe to drink and sourced from the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir in the Sierra Nevada. It is known for its high quality and pleasant taste.

Annual Visitors: San Francisco attracts over 20 million visitors annually. Major attractions include the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, and historic cable cars.

Visa Requirements: Most international visitors need a valid passport and may require a visa or ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program. Entry requirements vary by country of origin.

Health & Vaccinations: No specific vaccinations are required for visiting San Francisco. Routine immunizations such as measles, flu, and COVID-19 are recommended, especially during winter and flu season.

Transportation: San Francisco has an extensive public transportation system, including Muni buses, metro, cable cars, and BART trains. Walking is common, but the city’s hills can be challenging. Rideshares and taxis are also widely available.

Food: San Francisco’s culinary scene is world-renowned. Local favorites include sourdough bread, Dungeness crab, and Mission-style burritos. The city also offers diverse global cuisines and numerous Michelin-starred restaurants.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms: San Franciscans are known for being progressive, informal, and inclusive. It’s common to greet with a smile or casual conversation. Cultural openness and respect for diversity are highly valued.

Telecommunications & Connectivity: Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, libraries, and public spaces. Mobile coverage is strong throughout the city, and SIM cards are easily available from major U.S. carriers.

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is advised when visiting San Francisco to cover medical emergencies, trip interruptions, and theft. U.S. healthcare is high quality but can be expensive without coverage.

Did You Know? - Facts About San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)

SFMOMA’s seven-story building features a unique facade designed by Swiss architect Mario Botta, and in 2016, it underwent a major expansion that doubled its gallery space.

The museum also offers rotating exhibitions, educational programs, and immersive experiences, making it a dynamic destination for art lovers of all ages.

SFMOMA was the first museum on the West Coast dedicated to modern art, opening in 1935, and has since become a leading institution for 20th- and 21st-century art.

The museum’s collection includes works by renowned artists such as Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, and Georgia O’Keeffe, as well as contemporary pieces by living artists.

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) is one of the largest modern and contemporary art museums in the United States, featuring over 33,000 works of art.