San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)
San Francisco, United States · Museum
About San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)
The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, or SFMOMA, is one of the largest museums of modern and contemporary art in the United States. Following an extensive expansion designed by architecture firm Snøhetta, the museum spans seven vibrant floors filled with painting, sculpture, photography, and interactive media. It is celebrated internationally for its bold architecture, groundbreaking temporary exhibitions, and iconic permanent collection featuring artists such as Andy Warhol and Frida Kahlo.
Don't miss
- Marvel at the massive Living Wall on the third-floor outdoor terrace, featuring thousands of native California plants.
- Walk around Richard Serra's monumental weathered steel sculpture, Sequence, displayed on the ground floor.
- Explore modern and post-war masterpieces from the Doris and Donald Fisher Collection, including works by Roy Lichtenstein and Gerhard Richter.
- Visit the Pritzker Center for Photography, one of the largest museum spaces in the world dedicated entirely to photographic art.
Plan your visit
Visit on a weekday morning right when the doors open to enjoy the galleries before peak crowds arrive. Thursday evenings are also a wonderful choice for a quieter, after-work visit during extended hours.
Admission requires a paid ticket for the upper exhibition floors, though select ground-level spaces are free to the public. It is best to purchase timed-entry tickets online in advance to bypass lines at the ticket counter.
Located in the SoMa neighborhood, SFMOMA is an easy five-minute walk from the Montgomery Street BART and Muni station. Multiple city bus lines also stop directly along Third Street and Mission Street.
Tips for visiting
- Download the SFMOMA audio app before your visit to listen to immersive commentary narrated by artists and curators.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes because exploring all seven expansive gallery floors covers substantial distance.
- Take advantage of the free coat and bag check on the lower level, as large backpacks are not permitted in galleries.
- Enjoy a relaxing coffee or light meal at the museum cafe adjacent to the fifth-floor outdoor sculpture garden.
- Explore the public ground-floor galleries free of charge if you have limited time and cannot commit to a full visit.
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) FAQ
Is SFMOMA suitable for children and families?
Yes, SFMOMA welcomes visitors of all ages, and youth aged 18 and under typically enter for free. The museum frequently provides family-focused gallery guides and hands-on activities that make contemporary art engaging for young visitors.
Can I take photographs inside the museum?
Photography without flash is allowed for personal, non-commercial use in the permanent collection galleries. However, flash, tripods, selfie sticks, and photos in certain designated special exhibitions are strictly forbidden.
Is SFMOMA fully wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the museum is fully ADA compliant with wide elevator access to every floor and accessible restrooms throughout. Manual wheelchairs are available to borrow free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis at coat check.
Are there places to eat inside SFMOMA?
Yes, visitors can find multiple dining spots on-site, ranging from quick coffee and pastry counters to a seated cafe. Dining venues offer locally sourced food and drinks alongside views of the museum's outdoor art spaces.
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AI-written guide, last updated 2026-10-09. Check opening times and ticket prices on the official website before you go. Photos: moulinaem, code83 on Pixabay.