The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) is one of the largest modern and contemporary art museums in the country. With seven floors of galleries, rotating exhibitions, and thousands of artworks spanning photography, painting, sculpture, and design, you'll discover why SFMOMA exhibits draw art enthusiasts from around the world.
Why SFMOMA Is a Must-See in San Francisco
Located in the heart of the SoMa neighborhood, SFMOMA's striking architecture makes it impossible to miss. The 2016 expansion nearly tripled the museum's gallery space, creating a 10-story structure that blends the original Mario Botta building with Snøhetta's rippling white facade. This expansion brought the museum's collection to more than 33,000 works, establishing it as a major destination for modern and contemporary art.
The museum's location puts you within walking distance of Yerba Buena Gardens and other cultural hotspots, making it easy to combine your visit with a bike ride along the Embarcadero or lunch in one of SoMa's acclaimed restaurants. You can explore SFMOMA with San Francisco CityPASS® tickets, which include admission to this world-class museum along with several other top attractions in the city.
What Makes the SFMOMA Experience Unique
SFMOMA houses several distinguished collections that set it apart from other art museums. The Fisher Collection represents one of the most significant gifts ever made to a museum, bringing works by Roy Lichtenstein, Diego Rivera, Georgia O'Keeffe, and other modern masters into the permanent collection. You'll encounter these pieces throughout the galleries, where they anchor exhibitions alongside contemporary artists.
The Pritzker Center for Photography spans three floors and showcases the museum's renowned photography collection. From early pioneers to contemporary practitioners, the rotating displays demonstrate why SFMOMA maintains one of the finest photography collections in the world. The museum also celebrates Bay Area artists with murals and commissioned works on Floors 2, 3, and 5, connecting the region's creative community to the broader narrative of modern art.
Families will appreciate the museum's interactive elements and accessible programming. The Koret Education Center on Floor 2 offers hands-on activities that help younger visitors engage with modern art concepts. Throughout the galleries, you'll find works that spark conversation and invite participation, making the museum experience welcoming for all ages.
Public Spaces and Permanent Highlights
Several permanent installations have become synonymous with SFMOMA itself. Richard Serra's "Sequence" occupies Floor 1 with massive steel plates that create a maze-like environment. Walking through this installation gives you a physical understanding of scale and space that photographs can't capture. The work's placement near the entrance sets an immediate tone of immersion and discovery.
The Living Wall on Floor 3 provides a stark contrast to the gallery spaces. This vertical garden features more than 19,000 plants representing over 20 native California species. The wall changes with the seasons, offering a peaceful spot to rest and reflect between galleries. Natural light filters through the space, creating an atmosphere that feels worlds away from the surrounding city.
You'll find works by Frida Kahlo, Andy Warhol, Mark Rothko, Henri Matisse, and Chuck Close woven throughout the permanent collection galleries on Floors 4 and 5. Each floor follows a thematic or chronological arrangement that helps you trace the evolution of modern art from the early 20th century to the present day. Tony Cragg's "Guglie," towers of assembled machine parts, is another highlight, while Anish Kapoor's "Vortex" creates a mirror-like surface that distorts and reflects your image in unexpected ways.
Art Beyond the Galleries
The museum extends well beyond its gallery walls. The free-to-access ground floor includes the Roberts Family Gallery, where you can view art without purchasing admission. The museum store offers carefully curated books, prints, and design objects that reflect the collections upstairs. Whether you're looking for exhibition catalogs or unique gifts, the selection represents some of the best museum retail in the city.
Take the elevator to Floor 7 to access the outdoor sculpture terrace. This space offers sweeping views of the city and bay while showcasing large-scale sculptural works. The terrace becomes particularly striking during golden hour, when the light transforms both the artwork and the cityscape.
For dining, you have several options within the museum. The café on Floor 1 serves coffee and light fare throughout the day. In|Situ, the museum's full-service restaurant, presents a unique concept: dishes that reproduce recipes from celebrated chefs around the world. The restaurant operates independently of museum admission, making it a destination in its own right.
Visitor Tips for a Smooth Experience
SFMOMA can feel overwhelming with its seven floors of galleries. Start on Floor 2 and work your way up, or focus on specific collections that interest you most. The museum provides digital guides and paper maps to help you navigate, though getting lost and discovering unexpected pieces often leads to the most memorable moments.
The museum is busiest on weekend afternoons and during major exhibition openings. Weekday mornings typically offer the most space and quiet for contemplation. If you're visiting during peak times, consider starting on the upper floors, where crowds thin out as many visitors concentrate on the lower galleries.
The museum provides wheelchair access throughout, with elevators connecting all floors. Strollers are welcome, though baby carriers often prove more practical in crowded galleries. You can check bags and coats at no charge, and the museum offers seating throughout the galleries for those who need to rest.
Visitors under 18 always enter for free, and Bay Area residents receive free admission on the first Thursday of each month. The museum's accessibility extends beyond physical access—audio guides, ASL interpretation for select programs, and detailed object labels ensure that diverse audiences can engage meaningfully with the collection.
Use San Francisco CityPASS® Tickets to Visit SFMOMA and More
San Francisco CityPASS® tickets give you access to SFMOMA along with several other premier attractions. After exploring modern art, you might head to the Aquarium of the Bay to see marine life from the bay and delta, or visit the Exploratorium for interactive science exhibits. The Blue & Gold Fleet Bay Cruise offers a different perspective on the city, while the California Academy of Sciences combines natural history with a living roof and planetarium.
Ready to explore SFMOMA and other top San Francisco attractions? Purchase your San Francisco CityPASS® tickets and start planning your art-filled adventure today.