Museums that Matter – San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

Finally, a museum with paintings. But only really weird ones. I’m pacing myself.

A landmark in San Francisco’s bustling SoMa district, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is one of only a select few museums in the United States entirely devoted to works created since the beginning of the 20^th century, and specifically those of the modern, abstract and abstract expressionist movements.

The SFMOMA’s large and celebrated collection runs the presentational gamut with paintings, sculpture, photography, architecture, design and motion media. Among the most famous names on display are Jackson Pollock, Jasper Johns, Ansel Adams, Henri Matisse, Louise Beurgeois, Marcel Duchamp, Georgia O’Keefe, Andy Warhol, Frida Kahlo, René Magritte and of course many, many more.

Given the affronting yet fascinating nature of many of the pieces, first-timers may have better luck traveling with a guide. Guided tours are offered free with admission at least four times a day and come highly recommended for those who wish to inject a little history and perspective into their experience.

Regular adult admission to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art runs $12.50, however it’s half-price Thursday evenings (6:00 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.) and the first Tuesday of every month is free.

Learn more.

For hotels in San Francisco, I like Hotel 480. It’s located in Union Square only about half a mile out from the museum, which is easy walking distance in such a pedestrian friendly city (just be sure to wear comfy shoes).

Image used with permission under Creative Commons License

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