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If you’re looking for a cultural experience in the city of San Francisco, look no further than the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. Comprising two distinct locations, the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park and the Legion of Honor in Lincoln Park, these museums are the largest public arts institution in the city. With over a million visitors in 2022, the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco are the fifth most attended art institution in the United States.
The de Young Museum is a fine arts museum located in Golden Gate Park, named for early San Francisco newspaperman M. H. de Young. It features a diverse collection of American art from the 17th through the 21st centuries, as well as art from Africa, Oceania, and the Americas.
The museum also boasts a stunning observation tower that offers panoramic views of San Francisco and the surrounding area, including the Golden Gate Bridge.
The Legion of Honor, located in Lincoln Park, is a fine arts museum that specializes in European art from the medieval period through the 20th century. The museum’s collection includes works by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Rodin, among others.
The building itself is a work of art, modeled after the Palais de la Légion d’Honneur in Paris and featuring a stunning courtyard and gardens. Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or just looking for a unique experience in San Francisco, the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco are not to be missed.
History of Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco
The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco (FAMSF) is one of the largest public arts institutions in the United States. The museum complex includes the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park and the Legion of Honor Museum in Lincoln Park. Here’s a brief history of FAMSF.
Early Years
The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco were established in 1895 as part of the California Midwinter International Exposition. The original collection consisted of works of art loaned by San Francisco residents. After the exposition, the collection was moved to the Memorial Museum in Golden Gate Park, which was later renamed the M. H. de Young Memorial Museum.
In 1924, the Legion of Honor Museum was built to commemorate the Californian soldiers who died in World War I. The museum’s collection was initially made up of works of art from the Panama-Pacific International Exposition held in San Francisco in 1915.
In 1930, the de Young Museum was destroyed by fire. A new museum was built in its place and opened to the public in 1935. The Legion of Honor and the de Young Museum operated independently until 1972 when they were merged into the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco.
Recent Developments
In 2005, the de Young Museum underwent a major renovation and expansion. The new building was designed by the Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron and featured a distinctive copper facade. This present copper-clad landmark building now has more than 70,000 square feet of gallery space and is home to a diverse collection of American art from the 17th through the 21st centuries, as well as art from Africa, Oceania, and the Americas.
In 2016, the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco announced plans to build a new facility in downtown San Francisco. The new museum, called the Contemporary Art Museum at the Presidio, will be located in the historic Presidio Officers’ Club and will showcase contemporary art from around the world.
Today, the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco is a world-renowned institution that attracts visitors from all over the globe. Its collections are diverse and extensive, and its exhibitions and programs are designed to engage and educate visitors of all ages and backgrounds.
Collections
The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco (FAMSF) is home to an impressive collection of art spanning over 5,000 years. With collections of ancient art from ancient Greece to contemporary Africa, there is always something new to discover.
The museum complex includes the M. H. de Young Memorial Museum in Golden Gate Park and the Legion of Honor Museum in Lincoln Park, making it the largest cultural institution in San Francisco and one of the largest art museums in California.
American Art
The American Art collection at FAMSF features works from the 17th century to the present day. The collection includes American painting, sculpture, and decorative arts. Notable works include John Singleton Copley’s portrait of Paul Revere, Albert Bierstadt’s “The Last of the Buffalo,” and Diego Rivera’s “Pan American Unity.” The collection also includes works by contemporary artists such as Kerry James Marshall and Kehinde Wiley.
African Art
The African Art collection at FAMSF features works from various regions of the continent, including West Africa, Central Africa, and Southern Africa. The collection includes masks, sculptures, textiles, and other objects. Notable works include a 19th-century Yoruba divination tray, a 20th-century Chokwe mask, and a 19th-century Kuba textile.
Oceanic Art
The Oceanic Art collection at FAMSF features works from the Pacific Islands, including Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. The collection includes sculptures, masks, and other objects. Notable works include a 19th-century Hawaiian feather cloak, a 19th-century New Ireland malagan sculpture, and a 19th-century Tongan ngatu.
European Art
The European Art collection at FAMSF features works from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and works on paper. Notable works include Jan van Eyck’s “The Annunciation,” Rembrandt van Rijn’s “Portrait of a Bearded Man,” and Claude Monet’s “Water Lilies.” The collection also includes works by other European masters such as Francisco Goya, Auguste Rodin, and Pablo Picasso.
In summary, the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco is home to an impressive collection of art from around the world, including American, African, Oceanic, and European art. With collections spanning over 5,000 years, there is always something new to discover at FAMSF.
Exhibitions
The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco host a variety of exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing artwork from around the world. The exhibitions are held at the de Young Museum and the Legion of Honor Museum, which together make up San Francisco’s largest public arts institution.
Past Exhibitions
The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco have hosted a number of notable exhibitions in the past, including “Monet: The Early Years” and “Contemporary Muslim Fashions.” These exhibitions have brought together works of art from a variety of different artists and cultures, providing visitors with a unique and enriching experience.
Current Exhibitions
As of September 25, 2023, the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco are hosting several exhibitions. One of the most notable is “Kehinde Wiley: An Archaeology of Silence,” which is the US premiere of a new body of work created by the artist in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the murder of George Floyd, and the worldwide rise of the Black Lives Matter movement. Other current exhibitions include “Modernism from the National Gallery of Art” and “The Art of the Qur’an: Treasures from the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts.”
Future Exhibitions
The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco have several exciting exhibitions planned for the future. One of the most anticipated is “Picasso and Paper,” which will feature over 300 works of art on paper by Pablo Picasso. This exhibition will be on display from October 29, 2023, to January 28, 2024. Other upcoming exhibitions include “The Poetry of Nature: A Golden Age of Japanese Art” and “The Art of the African Diaspora.”
If you are interested in visiting the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco to see their exhibitions, be sure to check their website for the most up-to-date information on current and future exhibitions.
Educational Programs
The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco offers a variety of educational programs for all ages. Whether you’re a student, teacher, or just interested in art, there are programs available to help you learn and explore.
Public Programs
The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco offers a range of public programs for visitors of all ages. These programs aim to engage visitors with the museum’s collections through interactive experiences, lectures, and workshops.
One of the most popular public programs is the docent-led tours. These tours are led by knowledgeable volunteers who provide insight into the museum’s collections and exhibitions. They are available daily and are free with museum admission.
In addition to tours, the museum also offers a range of lectures and workshops. These programs cover a variety of topics, from art history to contemporary art. They are led by experts in the field and are designed to provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the museum’s collections.
School Programs
The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco offers a range of programs for schools, including field trips, workshops, and teacher resources. These programs are designed to enhance classroom learning and provide students with a unique and engaging educational experience.
The museum’s field trip program includes guided tours and hands-on workshops. These programs are designed to align with California state standards and are available for students in grades K-12.
For teachers, the museum offers a range of resources and professional development opportunities. These include curriculum guides, workshops, and online resources. These programs are designed to help teachers incorporate art into their classroom curriculum and provide students with a well-rounded education.
Overall, the educational programs offered by the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco are designed to engage visitors of all ages and provide them with a deeper understanding of the museum’s collections. Whether you’re a student, teacher, or just interested in art, there are programs available to help you learn and explore.
Membership and Support
If you are a frequent visitor to the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, becoming a member can be a great way to save money while supporting the museum’s mission. Membership benefits include free admission to the museum, first access to exhibitions, weekly members-only hours, 10% off in the Museum Stores, and more for you and a guest. Discounts are available for people with disabilities, seniors, out-of-state residents, teachers, and students.
Annual Giving members receive additional benefits such as a complimentary subscription to Fine Arts magazine, recognition in Fine Arts magazine and in the Annual Donor’s Luncheon Program, and a customized e-newsletter with event and program information. However, free admission may not apply to all special exhibitions.
If you are interested in supporting the museum beyond membership, there are other ways to give. You can make a one-time donation or become a sustaining donor by making monthly donations. You can also donate to specific programs and initiatives, such as the museum’s education programs or conservation efforts.
The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco also offers corporate membership and sponsorship opportunities for businesses interested in supporting the museum. Corporate members receive benefits such as free admission, discounts on facility rentals, and recognition in museum publications.
Overall, becoming a member or making a donation to the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco is a great way to support the museum’s mission of promoting art and education. With a variety of membership levels and giving opportunities available, there is something for everyone who wants to support the museum.
Visiting the Museums
If you’re planning to visit the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your trip.
Locations and Directions
The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco consists of two main locations: the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park and the Legion of Honor in Lincoln Park. The de Young Museum is located at 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, San Francisco, CA 94118, while the Legion of Honor is located at 100 34th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94121. Both locations are easily accessible by car, public transportation, or bike.
If you’re driving, there is limited parking available at both locations. The de Young Museum has an underground garage with a fee, while the Legion of Honor has a free parking lot. If you’re taking public transportation, you can take the Muni bus lines that stop near both museums, or take the Golden Gate Park shuttle to the de Young Museum.
Hours and Admission
The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 am to 5:15 pm. Both locations are closed on Mondays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
Admission prices vary depending on the location and exhibitions. General admission to the de Young Museum is $15 for adults, $10 for seniors, and free for children under 18. General admission to the Legion of Honor is $15 for adults, $10 for seniors, and free for children under 12. Admission is free for all visitors on the first Tuesday of every month.
Accessibility
Here is what I love: The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive experience for all visitors. Both locations are wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs are available for free on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign language interpretation and audio description tours are available upon request, and service animals are welcome.
If you have any specific accessibility needs or questions, you can contact the museum’s accessibility coordinator at access@famsf.org or call (415) 750-3600.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the current exhibitions at the De Young Museum?
The De Young museum has several ongoing exhibitions, including “Uncanny Valley: Being Human in the Age of AI,” “Soul of a Nation: Art in the Age of Black Power 1963-1983,” and “Frida Kahlo: Appearances Can Be Deceiving.” You can find more information about the current exhibitions on the De Young Museum website.
What is the history of the Legion of Honor museum?
The Legion of Honor museum was founded in 1924 by Alma de Bretteville Spreckels as a memorial to Californian soldiers who died in World War I. The museum’s collection includes over 124,000 works of art, ranging from ancient to contemporary art. You can find more information about the history of the Legion of Honor museum on the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco website.
How do I become a senior member at the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco?
To become a senior member at the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, you must be 65 years or older and pay an annual fee of $75. Senior members receive free admission to the de Young and Legion of Honor museums, as well as other benefits. You can find more information about becoming a senior member on the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco membership page.
What are the top must-see exhibits at the Asian Art Museum?
The Asian Art Museum has several must-see exhibits, including “Changing and Unchanging Things: Noguchi and Hasegawa in Postwar Japan,” “Gorgeous,” and “Kimono Refashioned.” You can find more information about the current exhibitions on the Asian Art Museum website.
What is the largest art museum in San Francisco by square footage?
The de Young museum is the largest art museum in San Francisco by square footage, with a total of 293,000 square feet. The museum features collections of American art from the 17th through the 21st centuries, art from Africa, Oceania, and the Americas, and international contemporary art. You can find more information about the de Young museum on the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco website.
Is there an admission fee for the Kehinde Wiley exhibit at the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco?
Yes, there is an admission fee for the Kehinde Wiley exhibit at the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. The fee for non-members is $29 for adults, $24 for seniors, and $19 for students. Members of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco can visit the exhibit for free. You can find more information about the Kehinde Wiley exhibit on the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco website.
