SFMOMA
SFMOMA: A vast museum showcasing modern and contemporary art, from iconic paintings to immersive installations, within a striking architectural space.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Free admission!
SFMOMA
Best Time
Free admission!

Highlights
Must-see attractions
SFMOMA: A vast museum showcasing modern and contemporary art, from iconic paintings to immersive installations, within a striking architectural space.
"A must-see in San Francisco, offering a fascinating range of art and experiences that leave a lasting impression."
🎯 Free First Thursdays
Enjoy free admission on the first Thursday of each month, but expect large crowds!
🎟️ Book Tickets Ahead
Skip the purchase line by booking your SFMOMA tickets online in advance.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Visitors
Floor 6
A profoundly moving 9-screen audio-visual installation about music and togetherness.

Ruth Asawa: Retrospective
Various Floors
Explore the intricate looped wire sculptures and impactful life of this Japanese-American artist.

One-Way Color Tunnel
Floor 1
An immersive, dazzling walkway by Olafur Eliasson that plays with dynamic color and light.

Kara Walker's Fortuna and the Immortality Garden
Floor 1
An interactive installation offering fortunes that prompt introspection on history and identity.
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Save
Explore Beyond the Exhibits
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free First Thursdays
Enjoy free admission on the first Thursday of each month, but expect large crowds!
🎟️ Book Tickets Ahead
Skip the purchase line by booking your SFMOMA tickets online in advance.
🚶♀️ Start at the Top
Take the elevator to the top floor and work your way down for a curated experience.
☕ Enjoy the Cafe
The matcha at the first-floor cafe is excellent, and the top-floor seating offers great views.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free First Thursdays
Enjoy free admission on the first Thursday of each month, but expect large crowds!
🎟️ Book Tickets Ahead
Skip the purchase line by booking your SFMOMA tickets online in advance.
🚶♀️ Start at the Top
Take the elevator to the top floor and work your way down for a curated experience.
☕ Enjoy the Cafe
The matcha at the first-floor cafe is excellent, and the top-floor seating offers great views.
✍️ Bring a Sketchbook
Ideal for lower-traffic days, use the courtyards and quiet nooks for creative inspiration.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
SFMOMA is lauded for its stunning architecture, diverse modern and contemporary art collections, and engaging special exhibitions. Visitors appreciate the immersive experiences like 'The Visitors' and the free admission on First Thursdays. However, some find ticket prices for special exhibits steep, and the viewing times can feel limited.
"Free for youth 18 and under! Really nice place, beautiful interior and pretty nice works in there. I particularly liked the sculptures section and the little coffee shop. The museum store has some really cool things, different kinds of lighting, little boardgames, etc. Definitely go early! the line gets huge very quickly."
Renzo
"I absolutely loved my visit. It was both magical, profound, and full of simple wonders as well. I left with a new perspective on art and the humanness of it. There was a fascinating range of art and experiences, including famous works by Andy Warhol and the iconic LOVE installation by the dining area. Food was superb as well."
Alissa Kennedy
"A must museum to see in San Francisco. There's a lot of very famous works here that you should see if you're an art enthusiast but there's not so much that it's overwhelming you can do the whole museum, all 6 floors, in about a half a day. It's not huge, and there's a nice atrium cafe and outdoor seating on the top floor. I'm not sure it's worth a $30 admission but, it's worth it if you buy it as part of the 3 activity City Tours package."
Brian Mulligan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
SFMOMA is easily accessible via public transportation. Many Muni bus lines stop nearby, and it's a short walk from BART stations like Powell Street or Montgomery Street. Parking is available in the attached garage, and validation is offered at coat check.
Yes, there's a paid parking garage attached to the museum. You can also find paid street parking in the surrounding SoMa area. Consider public transport to avoid parking hassles.
Absolutely! SFMOMA is well-served by Muni buses and is within walking distance of BART stations, making it convenient to reach without a car.
From downtown San Francisco, you can walk to SFMOMA in about 15-20 minutes, or take a short Muni bus ride. It's also a quick BART ride to nearby stations.
While there aren't direct transportation discounts, consider purchasing a City Tours package that may include admission and transportation options.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission tickets are typically around $30, but prices can vary for special exhibitions like Yayoi Kusama's. Youth 18 and under are free.
Yes! SFMOMA offers free admission on the first Thursday of every month from 12 PM to 8 PM.
You can purchase SFMOMA tickets online through their official website or in person at the museum. Booking online in advance is highly recommended to secure your spot and skip lines.
SFMOMA is generally open daily, with hours typically from 10 AM to 5 PM, and extended hours until 8 PM on Thursdays. Always check their website for the most current SFMOMA hours.
Tickets for popular exhibitions like Yayoi Kusama's can be very limited and sell out quickly. It's best to check the SFMOMA website for release dates and purchase them online as soon as they become available. In-person tickets may be available but require arriving very early.
🎫 🖼️ Onsite Experience
Highlights include Ragnar Kjartansson's 'The Visitors' (Floor 6), the Ruth Asawa Retrospective, Olafur Eliasson's 'One-Way Color Tunnel' (Floor 1), and Kara Walker's 'Fortuna and the Immortality Garden' (Floor 1). The photography collection and special exhibitions are also highly recommended.
You can see most of the museum in about 3-4 hours. However, to fully appreciate the exhibits and architecture, you could easily spend half a day or more.
Yes, SFMOMA offers a range of engaging exhibits that can appeal to families. Youth 18 and under receive free admission, making it an accessible outing.
SFMOMA features a vast collection of modern and contemporary art, including paintings, sculptures, photography, media installations, and design.
Yes, SFMOMA has several interactive installations, such as Kara Walker's 'Fortuna and the Immortality Garden,' which invites visitor participation.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, SFMOMA has dining options. The cafe on the first floor offers excellent matcha, and there are other eateries within the museum, including a restaurant with outdoor seating on the top floor.
Reviews suggest the food at SFMOMA is surprisingly good, with specific mentions of excellent matcha and a pleasant dining experience.
While specific pricing isn't detailed, the cafe options are generally considered a good value for a museum setting.
Yes, there is outdoor seating available at the top-floor dining area, offering a pleasant spot to enjoy your meal with a view.
SFMOMA has a restaurant on the top floor, offering a dining experience with views.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed in SFMOMA for personal use, but flash photography and tripods are usually prohibited. Some special exhibitions may have restrictions, so always check signage.
The 'One-Way Color Tunnel' by Olafur Eliasson is a visually stunning spot. The museum's architecture, courtyards, and large-scale installations also offer great photo opportunities.
Yes, flash photography and tripods are typically not allowed to protect the artwork and ensure a good experience for all visitors.
The 'One-Way Color Tunnel' and the dynamic architecture of the building itself are highly Instagrammable.
Yes, you can use your phone camera for personal photos, as long as you avoid flash and respect any specific exhibit restrictions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🎨 Art Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating SFMOMA's Collection
Key collections include significant works by artists like Mark Rothko, Matisse, and Andy Warhol. Photography is another strong area, with rotating exhibitions that showcase diverse perspectives. Don't miss the chance to experience immersive installations like Ragnar Kjartansson's 'The Visitors,' a deeply emotional 9-screen audio-visual piece that has resonated with many visitors.
Beyond the permanent collections and special exhibitions, SFMOMA also highlights design and media arts. The building itself, with its striking architecture and numerous courtyards, is an integral part of the experience. Many visitors find joy in simply exploring the spaces and discovering hidden nooks for quiet contemplation.
Experiencing 'The Visitors'
Visitors are encouraged to stay for the entire hour-long duration to fully immerse themselves in the piece. The repetitive yet evolving nature of the music and visuals creates a meditative atmosphere, allowing for deep introspection. Many have reported being brought to tears by its beauty and emotional depth.
'The Visitors' is included with general admission, making it an accessible highlight of any SFMOMA visit. Its extended run at the museum has allowed many to experience its unique power, with some visitors returning multiple times to revisit its emotional impact.
Planning for Special Exhibitions
For exhibitions like Kusama's, which have had timed entry and limited viewing periods, arriving early for in-person ticket purchases might be an option, but online booking is generally the most reliable method. Some visitors have expressed that the viewing time for certain popular exhibits can feel short, so managing expectations is key.
Even if you miss out on a specific ticketed exhibition, SFMOMA always has a wealth of other compelling art to explore. The museum's permanent collection, including photography and modern masterpieces, along with free-access galleries, ensures a rich experience regardless of special exhibition access.
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