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Museums & galleries

Asian Art Museum of San Francisco

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Asian Art Museum of San Francisco

Overview

Founded in the 1960s by Avery Brundage, the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco houses roughly 18,000 works of Asian art spanning 6,000 years. Travellers visit to see comprehensive collections of historical sculpture, ceramics, bronzes, jades, and paintings from across East, South, and Southeast Asia, alongside temporary exhibitions.

Getting There

Located in the Civic Center neighborhood, it is accessible from downtown San Francisco. Take BART or Muni to Civic Center station, followed by a 3-minute walk. The entire trip from the city center takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Recommended Time

Plan to spend 2 to 3 hours viewing the permanent collections and rotating exhibits.

When to Visit

Weekday mornings offer the quietest experience. The galleries see heavier crowds on weekend afternoons and rainy days.

Nearby Attractions

You can pair a visit with several nearby destinations:

  • Civic Center (0.1km): Adjacent plaza and City Hall.
  • War Memorial Opera House (0.5km): Major performing arts venue to the west.
  • Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption (0.9km): Modernist cathedral.
  • Union Square (1.2km): Central shopping district reachable on foot or by transit.

Updated September 13, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

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Stays near Asian Art Museum of San Francisco

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

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Asian Art Museum of San Francisco Nearby stays

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Hotel membership

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Itineraries including this place

3 nights, 4 days

San Francisco 4-Day Itinerary (3 Nights)

A 4-day route through San Francisco grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

Good to visit alongside

Civic Center

Shopping & districts

Civic Center

This San Francisco district near Market Street and Van Ness Avenue is home to the city's major government offices and cultural institutions. Classical buildings and open plazas combine to make it pleasant for a stroll.

0.1 km away
War Memorial Opera House

Culture & venues

War Memorial Opera House

This opera house sits on Van Ness Avenue, just west of San Francisco City Hall. It's a popular destination for opera performances.

0.5 km away
Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption

Temples & religious sites

Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption

The principal Catholic cathedral of the Archdiocese of San Francisco. As a spiritual center for local worshippers, it's a great place for a quiet visit to admire the architecture.

0.9 km away
Union Square

Parks & gardens

Union Square

This plaza in downtown San Francisco is lined with upscale department stores and shops, making it a great spot for shopping. Its location also makes it easy to explore the surrounding area by cable car.

1.2 km away
Nob Hill

Shopping & districts

Nob Hill

Nob Hill is a hilltop neighborhood in San Francisco known for its luxury hotels and historic mansions, long serving as a hub for the city's upper class. It's a pleasant place to stroll and take in the atmosphere of one of the city's most affluent districts.

1.5 km away
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

Museums & galleries

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art houses 20th-century modern and contemporary art. It holds the distinction of being the largest modern art museum in the United States and the first on the West Coast.

1.5 km away