Art Lover's Guide to San Francisco

Even before the turn of the 20th century, San Francisco was making a name for itself in the art world. The California School of Fine Arts (now the San Francisco Art Institute) was first established in 1871, followed shortly after by the de Young Museum in 1894—though its been rebuilt twice since then. By the 1940's and 50's, San Francisco had established itself as an artist's haven, attracting painters, poets, and cutting-edge creators of all mediums. Today, San Francisco boasts an array of art museums as unique as the Bay area itself.

Asian Art Museum

Whereas most art museums in the U.S. pride themselves on American or European art, The Asian Art Museum of San Francisco has a niche of its own, focusing in works from the Asian masters. The Asian Art Museum has one of the largest collections of Asian Art in the world, with works spanning 6,000 years from seven distinct regions: South Asia; the Persian World and West Asia; Southeast Asia; the Himalayas and the Tibetan Buddhist World; China; Korea; and Japan. The building houses over 18,000 works of art, including elaborate and exotic pieces that adorn the walls and hallways, like ancient Tibetan paintings and full-scale samurai suits of armor. Beginning on October 5th, 2012 and running through January 13, 2013, discover the secrets behind China's most revered art form with the Museum's newest exhibition, Out of Character: Decoding Chinese Calligraphy. The Asian Art Museum of San Francisco is a treat for the entire family. Hours and ticket prices vary depending on the time of the year, but you can always get a discount and skip the lines with your Go Select Passes app.

SFMOMA

As the first West Coast museum devoted to modern and contemporary artwork, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art has always been a forerunner in artistic innovation. Here, you'll find art in every medium, from painting and sculpture to new and mixed media. The SFMOMA boasts a strength in the artistic movements of Abstract Expressionism, Conceptualism, German Expressionism, and the art of California, so you'll see up close the works of masters like Paul Klee, Jackson Pollack, Jasper Johns, Henri Matisse, Joan Mitchel, Pablo Picasso, Mark Rothko and many others! One of the first museums to consider photography a legitimate art form, the SFMOMA features a vast body of photography, comprising over 14,000 photos that have been collected since 1935. The Museum also boasts an impressive number of temporary exhibitions, which are always changing and rotating. Until October 8th only (so you better act fast!), you can catch the Cindy Sherman exhibit and explore the provocative work of one of the most influential photographers of our time.

de Young Museum

The de Young Museum first opened its doors in the late 1800s as the Fine Arts Building to house the California Midwinter International Exposition. The Museum has only grown since then and is now a world-class institution housed in a state-of-the-art facility. As you might imagine, the Museum has accumulated quite a grand and eclectic collection in its 110+ year history. You'll find everything from 17th-century American paintings to rare 12th-century silks to haute couture by Christian Dior. If you don't see something that sparks your interest in the de Young's 27,000-piece collection, you'll likely be the first. The de Young Museum also features in-depth exhibitions that cycle in and out of its halls. Now through January 27, 2013, immerse yourself in the photographs of Danny Lyons, a leader in the American street art movement of the 1960s who was known for his direct engagement with his subjects. The exhibit, This World Is Not My Home, features more than 60 photographs and photographic montages from 1962 to the present.

Yerba Buena Center for the Arts

At the YBCA, art takes on a new meaning. This interactive hub of creativity presents visual art, dance, theater, music, and film while taking a closer look at where the spheres of art and pop culture collide. Yerba Buena Center for the Arts presents thought-provoking works of art that ask questions rather than always trying to answer them, so whether you stroll through the galleries, catch a screening, or snag tickets to a live performance, you'll walk away with a lot to think about. Since the YBCA generally showcases young and emerging artists, visitors gain the advantage of being one step ahead of the rest of the art world. You can check out what shows and performances are happening at the YBCA before your trip, or simply visit their galleries Thursday through Sunday. Please note, not all material may be appropriate for young children. Simply use your Go Select San Francisco app to gain admission to all four of these museums, plus many other attractions in the Bay Area. If art isn't your only interest, break up your trip with a cruise of the Bay or engage your left brain at the California Academy of Sciences.