United States · 2 museums
The best museums in San Francisco (SF) are de Young Museum and San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. World Museum Guide covers 2 museums in San Francisco, United States, with verified admission prices, opening hours and how long to allow for each. Check each guide for prices and free days.
Visitor information last reviewed 30 June 2026. Check the official museum site for current details.
| # | Museum | Admission | Time needed | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | de Young Museum | From $15 | 2 hours | Mondays |
| 2 | San Francisco Museum of Modern Art | US$30 | 2–3 hours | Wednesdays |
Standard adult prices, checked from 2026-06-30. Confirm on each museum's official website before you go.
Art Museum · Best for art lovers & first-timers
San Francisco's flagship fine arts museum in Golden Gate Park, with American art from the 17th century to the present, Oceanic and African collections, and a copper-clad tower with panoramic city views.
From $15 · ⏱ 2 hours · Closed Mondays
Art Museum · Best for art lovers & photographers
Founded in 1935, SFMOMA was the first museum on the West Coast dedicated to modern art. Its 2016 expansion — designed by Snøhetta — nearly tripled its size to 170,000 square feet of gallery space, making it one of the largest modern art museums in the United States.
US$30 · ⏱ 2–3 hours · Closed Wednesdays
Visiting on a budget? See every free and discounted museum in San Francisco.
The best museums in San Francisco are de Young Museum and San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. World Museum Guide ranks 2 museums in San Francisco by visitor numbers and collection strength.
World Museum Guide covers 2 museums in San Francisco, United States. Each guide lists admission, opening hours, highlights and how long to allow.
No museum in our San Francisco guide is free for every visitor. Free or reduced on certain days or for certain visitors: de Young Museum (Free first Tuesday of each month) and San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (Free for visitors 18 and under. First Thursday free admission is for eligible Bay Area residents; check current booking rules.).
Closing days differ by museum: de Young Museum closes Mondays and San Francisco Museum of Modern Art closes Wednesdays. Plan each day around at least one museum that is open.
Open on Mondays: San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Closed on Mondays: de Young Museum. Hours can change on public holidays, so check each museum's official website.
Late openings: San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (Friday until 9 PM). Evening visits are usually the quietest time to see the highlights.
