If you’ve spent any time in San Francisco, you can probably guess that the de Young Museum isn’t your ordinary art museum. “Doers, creators, thinkers, citizens of the world—those who eagerly face the unfamiliar—you are welcome here,” their website proudly proclaims. Inside this post, you will learn more about it.
de Young Museum
The museum was founded in 1895. It houses a permanent collection with everything from American, African, and Oceanic art to costumes, textiles, and sculpture. There’s also an extensive photography collection, with lots of California pieces that reflect the area and state’s rich history. In 2005, the museum reopened in a brand new building
Admission and Directions
The museum is open Tuesday–Sunday from 9:30 am–5:15 pm. Access is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, and $6 for students with a valid ID. Members and kids 17 and under get in for free. And if you’re a San Fran resident, you’re in luck: the museum recently introduced Free Saturdays, which grants you admission at no charge.
Located in Golden Gate Park, the de Young Museum is incredibly easy to get to by car or public transportation—take the Muni or Golden Gate Park Shuttle.
Exhibits
You’ll find everything here from the offbeat—like a “fear doctor” booth where patrons confess their biggest phobias to an artist—to more mainstream, like sketch sessions for visitors. There is also a “de Youngsters Studio,” which offers hands-on activities and fun for children.
The rotating exhibits encompass a wide variety of art as well. Past ones include Monet: The Late Years, Beyond the Surface: Worldwide Embroidery Traditions, and The Summer of Love Experience: Art, Fashion, and Rock & Roll. Upcoming exhibits include The Turkmen Storage Bag and Soul of a Nation: Art in the Age of Black Power 1963-1983.
Tours
You’re welcome to make your way through at your leisure. However, the de Young does offer docent-led tours of its special exhibitions, as well as guided tours of the museum’s highlights.
Cafe
Grab a bite before or after your visit to the de Young Café. It serves up American and European cuisine and a breakfast and lunch menu that often reflects the unique exhibits.
More
Are you in the San Francisco area now? Find out more things to see and do in our Quick Guide to San Francisco. Also, for help with affordable hotel accomodations, visit our sister site, HotelCoupons.com.
