We visited this beautiful museum on December 26th and it was quite busy. The parking lot was full, but the attendant was friendly and allowed us to wait until a couple of cars exited. The exhibits were wonderful, the place was clean, the gift stores were nice, and the view from the Observation area was fantastic.
The museum features a vast collection of American art from the 17th century to the 21st century, encompassing works from the colonial era to contemporary art. Additionally, it includes pieces from Africa and other regions. If you arrive early in the day, there’s often free parking available nearby in Golden Gate Park.
What an amazing way to spend a Sunday! As we walked from one exhibit to another, I learned so much about the history of the Legendary Battle of Pavia Tapestries, as well as various incredible paintings and beautiful artifacts. Visiting museums is definitely a must-do activity. I truly enjoyed taking my time to appreciate each piece of art and the intricate detail and creativity behind every display.
I took public transportation from a distance to Irving and 9th to walk to the museum. I loved my walk along 9th, arriving at the entrance to Golden State Park where the de Young Museum is located. I recommend grabbing a bite on 9th instead of eating at the museum café; my expensive quesadillas tasted like they were from a frozen package. The museum has a large open space and a grand staircase leading from the ground to the first floor. The upstairs highlights American artists, which is great because they often get overlooked in larger museums like the MET. I really appreciated the Native American room and the few paintings by Bierstadt. Although I'm not an art expert, I think the labeling could be improved, as very few artworks have audio commentary available. The outside sculpture garden provides a peaceful walking experience and it would be even better on a warm sunny day. I also recommend visiting the botanical garden and setting aside a whole day. Don't forget to take the lift to the top floor for a panoramic view of San Francisco, where you can also visit Ruth Asawa’s exhibition.
This is a must-visit in San Francisco! The museum boasts an extensive collection of American, African, and Latin American art, artifacts, and paintings. The architecture of the building is also impressive. The café serves delicious food and admission is free for the public on the first Tuesday of each month.
