Best Museums in San Francisco (2025)

A city-defining museum for modern and contemporary art, with ambitious shows and public programs that center Bay Area voices. Frequently cited by national critics, including The Washington Post’s list of top U.S. art museums.

Golden Gate Park’s anchor for American art, textiles, and global collections, housed in Herzog & de Meuron’s copper-clad landmark with a free panorama tower. Regularly highlighted by major travel editors and covered by local arts reporters.

One of the country’s most significant Asian art collections, mixing ancient treasures with inventive contemporary commissions. Exhibitions often draw national attention, including coverage in The New York Times.

A free, non-collecting contemporary art space now activating a historic downtown building known as The Cube. Praised by local press for artist-forward shows and community programming.

Dogpatch’s independent museum champions contemporary craft, design, and material innovation, with hands-on community programs. Noted by local outlets for smart, focused exhibitions that feel distinctly San Franciscan.

Rooted in the neighborhood it serves, this museum spotlights jazz clubs, labor history, LGBTQ milestones, and resident stories. Covered by the San Francisco Chronicle for its planned expansion and neon collection.

America’s first stand-alone LGBTQ history museum anchors the Castro with intimate, archive-driven exhibits. Recognized by Lonely Planet and covered by local news for its growing presence and future plans.

Housed in a Julia Morgan–designed landmark, this museum preserves Chinese American history with exhibits beloved by locals and visitors. Frequently recommended by respected travel guides.

A nonprofit dedicated to comics and animation art since 1984, with rotating exhibitions spanning newspaper strips, manga, indie comics, and film. A favorite of local families and artists alike.

In North Beach, this independent museum celebrates the Beat Generation with manuscripts, ephemera, and neighborhood lore. Often spotlighted by travel editors for its authentic ties to San Francisco’s literary scene.

Free and wonderfully old-school, this working powerhouse and museum shows the gears and cables that still pull the cars today. Frequently recommended by trusted travel guides for real local context.

A seminal house-as-artwork in the Mission, offering intimate tours and artist projects that connect daily life and conceptual practice. Recognized by preservationists and arts writers for its unique place in Bay Area art.