Located at 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA, the de Young Museum serves as San Francisco’s flagship art museum. Visitors can find a vast collection of art spanning from the 17th to the 20th century, including works from American, Native American, African, and Pacific cultures.

Moreover, the de Young hosts an array of important special exhibits. Their curation ensures captivating presentations with in-depth explanations. For the latest happenings, check the exhibit schedule before your visit.

Established in 1895, the current structure opened in 2005, designed by Herzog & de Meuron and Fong & Chan Architects. The design is often debated, but everyone appreciates the stunning views from the observation tower.

Importantly, access to the tower is free with no admission ticket required. Visitors should arrive at least an hour before closing time to enjoy the observation deck. Additionally, the museum’s well-curated gift shop can be accessed without an admission fee.

If time is limited, focus on five extraordinary paintings spanning three centuries:

• Still Life With Crabs on a Pewter Plate by Abraham Mignon (1669-1672)
• Caroline de Bassano, Marquise d’Espeuilles by John Singer Sargent (1884)
• Diego Rivera’s Two Women and a Child (1926)
• Crusades by Helen Frankenthaler (1976)
• A Particular Kind of Heaven by Ed Ruscha (1983)

Tips for Visiting the de Young Museum

When planning your visit, be advised that baby carrier backpacks are not permitted, with exceptions made for front carriers, while strollers are welcome.

Although wait times at the ticket counter are typically short, purchasing tickets ahead of time can simplify your visit. Also, if you plan to visit the de Young alongside its sister museum, the Legion of Honor, you will only pay a single admission fee.

To avoid crowded exhibits, visiting at the latest entry time is recommended. Additionally, the Museum Café offers a pleasant dining experience and an excellent view of the Barbro Osher Sculpture Garden, closing about an hour before the museum.

Enhance your visit through an audio tour rental or by participating in a free docent-led tour. Alternatively, individuals may download the museum’s app to receive in-depth insights on over 30 featured works.

Lastly, it’s wise to check the museum’s policies regarding what items can be brought inside. You can learn more about this on their website.

What You Need to Know About the de Young Museum

The de Young Museum is generally open most days of the week, excluding major holidays. For specific operating hours, refer to the museum’s website. The museum sometimes has late hours on Friday evenings, featuring music and demonstrations by local artists.

Reservations are unnecessary except for special exhibits, which may require a timed-entry ticket. General admission fees apply, though children under six can enter free of charge, and the museum provides monthly free days for the public. Be sure to check the schedule for these complimentary days on their website.

Positioned at the east end of Golden Gate Park, the museum is close to other attractions, such as the California Academy of Sciences, the San Francisco Botanical Garden, and the Japanese Tea Garden.

Should you decide to drive, enter the underground garage at Fulton Street and 8th Avenue. While there are opportunities for free street parking, finding a spot on busy days can be challenging. The best street parking options are near John F. Kennedy Drive or Martin Luther King Drive.

Parking tends to fill quickly on weekends, and some streets close to the museum are restricted on Sundays. Consequently, utilizing public transportation is a convenient option; showing your transit pass or transfer at the ticket desk can even result in savings on admission. Check public transit options on their website for further details.