Sadhya De Young Museum, this iconic museum is located in the heart of Golden Gate Park and houses an incredible collection of American art, as well as art from Africa, Oceania, and the Americas.
If you’re planning a trip to San Francisco, make sure to put de Young Museum at the top of your list of art destinations. Not only is the museum home to an impressive collection of art and artifacts but its unique architecture and varied events and activities make it a must-visit spot.
Getting There
Museum is located in Golden Gate Park, so it’s easily accessible by public transportation or car. If you’re taking public transportation, the 5 Fulton bus stops right outside the museum. If you’re driving, there’s a parking garage close to the museum. However, parking can be limited and expensive, so taking public transportation is a more convenient option.
Before you visit, it’s also worth checking the museum’s website for any updates.
History and Architecture
The museum first opened in 1895, but its current building was constructed in 2005 after the previous building suffered severe damage in an earthquake. The new building itself is a work of art, with its modern architecture and unique copper facade.
The copper exterior of the building has oxidized over time, giving it a unique greenish-brown hue that fits perfectly with the surrounding Golden Gate Park.
De Young Museum Observation Deck
As you enter the building, you’re greeted with a central tower that rises 144 feet into the sky. The tower is home to a 360-degree observation deck that offers stunning views of Golden Gate Park, the San Francisco skyline, and the surrounding area. It’s the perfect spot for taking in the beauty of the city before immersing yourself in the art within the museum.
Exhibitions and Collections
The de Young Museum San Francisco is home to an impressive collection of American art, with pieces ranging from the 17th century to contemporary works. But the museum also features rotating exhibitions that cover a variety of topics and periods, so there’s always something new to see.
Here, you’ll find works by renowned artists like Mary Cassatt, John Singer Sargent, and Georgia O’Keeffe.
African Art Collection
African Art Collection features a diverse range of sculptures, textiles, and ceremonial objects from across the continent. The collection highlights the rich artistic traditions and cultural heritage of Africa.
Oceanic Art Collection
We’ll find fascinating works from the Pacific Islands, including New Guinea, and Hawaii.
Art of the Americas Collection
The de Young Museum’s American art collection features an impressive array of works that span from the 17th century to the present day.
It showcases the diverse artistic traditions of North, Central, and South America. From ancient Mesoamerican ceramics to contemporary Native American art, this collection offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of the Americas.
Visitors can explore iconic paintings such as Albert Bierstadt’s “California Spring. The museum’s galleries also feature a diverse range of decorative arts, photography, and sculptures that highlight American culture and history. You’ll find an intricate Maya ceramic vessel from Guatemala, depicting a mythological scene.
Temporary Exhibitions
Don’t forget to check out the temporary exhibitions, which showcase a rotating selection of artworks from around the world so there’s always something new to see. You can check the latest exhibition on their website.
Kehinde Wiley’s beautiful art at de Young
Wiley paints or sculpts his subjects with sustained attention to and respect for the individual, bathed in light and detailed with their appearance and dress. The exhibition also showcases Wiley’s monumental sculptures, with the crowning sculpture named “An Archaeology of Silence” displaying a 17.5-foot horse carrying the lifeless figure of a young Black man draped over its back. The exhibition is a beautiful and deeply resonant tribute to the victims of societal crimes over time.
The de Young Museum in San Francisco is exhibiting Kehinde Wiley’s most recent work, “An Archaeology of Silence,” for the first time in the United States until October. The exhibition features 25 of Wiley’s brilliantly colored portraits and sculpted bronze figures, each depicting a young Black male or female in a horizontal position, wounded, resting, stilled, silent, or dead.
Events and Activities
Throughout the year, the museum hosts a variety of events and activities that make it an even more dynamic and engaging destination.
One popular event is Friday Nights at de Young Museum San Francisco. On Friday evenings, the museum stays open late and offers a range of activities, from live music and dance performances to film screenings and art-making workshops
Opening hours: The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30am to 5:15pm, with extended hours on Friday evenings for Friday Nights.
Admission prices: General admission is $15 for adults, with discounts available for seniors, students, and children. Admission is free for members and children under 12.
