SFMOMA Museum of Modern Art of San Francisco
What you need to know

Its collection includes masterpieces by renowned and beloved artists such as Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, Andy Warhol, and Frida Kahlo, as well as numerous works of photography, design, architecture, and media art. Additionally, SFMOMA is celebrated for its extraordinary architecture, which blends modernist elements with cutting-edge designs by Mario Botta and Snøhetta.

History of SFMOMA

SFMOMA opened its doors in 1935 (originally under the name San Francisco Museum of Art) and immediately became the first museum on the West Coast of the United States entirely dedicated to 20th-century art. Under the leadership of its founder, Grace L. McCann Morley, the institution quickly gained a prominent role in the American art scene, distinguished by its innovative vision.

The museum began its journey in a wing of the Veterans Building in San Francisco’s Civic Center. Its initial collection was donated by Albert M. Bender, a local philanthropist who gifted 36 pieces, including the famous "The Flower Carrier" by Diego Rivera. This initial donation laid the foundation for what would become one of the country’s most prestigious art collections.

During its early decades, SFMOMA was a pioneer in various fields. In 1936, it became one of the first museums to recognize photography as an art form, establishing a photography collection now considered among the most significant worldwide. In the 1940s, the museum hosted groundbreaking architectural exhibitions, such as "Telesis: Space for Living," and in 1945, it held the first museum exhibition dedicated to Jackson Pollock.

The museum continued to grow and evolve under the leadership of various directors, expanding its collections and organizing innovative exhibitions. By the 1980s, under the directorship of Henry T. Hopkins, the museum achieved international recognition and adopted its current name, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.

The Move to Mario Botta’s Building

In 1995, SFMOMA relocated from its historic Civic Center location to 151 Third Street, into a building designed by Swiss architect Mario Botta. The structure was designed to reflect the modernity and dynamism of contemporary art. With its striking brick façade and large elliptical skylight, the building quickly became an architectural icon of San Francisco.

Botta’s ambitious project transformed the museum into a space spanning five floors around a central atrium flooded with natural light, offering over 10,000 square meters of exhibition space. The combination of natural materials and bold geometric forms turned the building into a work of art in itself, earning widespread acclaim.

The 2016 Expansion

In 2016, SFMOMA reopened its doors following a significant expansion designed by the Norwegian firm Snøhetta. This three-year project doubled the museum's exhibition space, bringing it to over 13,000 square meters. This major expansion enabled the museum to host a growing collection and offer new public spaces, including a vertical garden.

The new wing designed by Snøhetta is distinguished by its undulating fiberglass-reinforced façade, evoking the fog of San Francisco. Inside, the spaces were designed to offer an immersive experience for visitors, with large, bright galleries that highlight the displayed works.

With this latest expansion, SFMOMA has solidified its position as a leader in the international art scene, attracting millions of visitors each year and reinforcing its reputation as one of San Francisco’s premier museums.

The Architecture of SFMOMA: A Brief Overview

The architecture of this grand museum perfectly balances tradition and innovation. Mario Botta's original 1995 building is characterized by geometric lines and natural materials like black granite and wood. At the center of the building, the five-story atrium illuminated by an elliptical skylight creates a sense of openness and connection across levels.

In 2016, Snøhetta's expansion added a contemporary touch to Botta's design. The new wing spans seven floors and includes exhibition spaces, public areas, and a rooftop terrace offering panoramic views of San Francisco’s skyline.

One of the most distinctive elements of the expansion is the third-floor vertical garden, featuring over 19,000 native plants. It is the largest garden of its kind in San Francisco, showcasing an integration of architecture and nature that leaves visitors in awe.

Must-See Works at SFMOMA

SFMOMA’s collection is one of the most diverse and extensive in the world, showcasing masterpieces by modern and contemporary artists. Among the most famous works are paintings by Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, Andy Warhol, and the iconic Frida Kahlo, alongside installations by Marcel Duchamp and sculptures by Alexander Calder.

A major attraction is the Pan American Unity mural by Diego Rivera, a monumental piece celebrating the interconnectedness of cultures across the Americas. Currently displayed in the Roberts Family Gallery, it exemplifies SFMOMA’s dedication to promoting works that merge art and history.

The museum’s photographic collection is also among the most prestigious globally, featuring works by Ansel Adams, Dorothea Lange, and Diane Arbus.

Additionally, SFMOMA showcases a vast selection of works by California artists, from David Park to Wayne Thiebaud, celebrating not only globally renowned names but also California's contributions to the international art scene.

SFMOMA Among San Francisco’s Museums

Among the many museums in San Francisco, SFMOMA stands out for its commitment to modern and contemporary art. Alongside institutions like the De Young Museum and the Asian Art Museum, it helps make San Francisco one of the cultural capitals of the United States.

Beyond being an important exhibition center, SFMOMA is also an educational institution and a hub for artists and scholars. Through the Koret Education Center and numerous public programs, the museum promotes access to art for visitors of all ages, fostering a deeper appreciation for artistic culture within both the local and international communities.

Where to Find SFMOMA and How to Get There

 
The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is located at 151 Third Street in the lively SoMa district, just a short walk from Yerba Buena Gardens. Its central location makes it easily accessible by various forms of public and private transportation.

For visitors planning to reach SFMOMA using public transit, here are the main options:
 BART and MUNI Light Rail: The Montgomery Street and Powell Street stations, serving both BART and MUNI Light Rail, are conveniently located near the museum.

 Bus: Numerous bus lines, including 8, 8AX, 8BX, 14, 14R, 15, 30, 45, 91, 101, 130, and 150, have stops within a block of the museum near the intersection of Third Street and Mission Street.

 Transbay Transit Center: Located just two blocks away, it offers additional public transit options for those visiting SFMOMA.

For those arriving by car, simply set your GPS to the museum’s official parking address:

 SFMOMA Parking Garage: The garage is located at 147 Minna Street, just steps from the main entrance on Third Street.

Hours and Tickets

SFMOMA operates during the following hours:

* Monday and Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM,
* Wednesday: Closed,
* Thursday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM,
* Friday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

The museum is closed on select holidays, including Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. On some special Wednesdays (such as December 18, 2024, and January 1, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM), the museum may be open.

Unfortunately for international visitors, the free admission offered on the first Thursday of the month is reserved for Bay Area residents. However, families can save as children under 18 years old are admitted for free.

It is recommended to book tickets online in advance to ensure entry and receive updated information on any schedule changes or additional discounts.