The de Young is San Francisco’s big art museum in Golden Gate Park, with American paintings, art from Africa, Oceania and the Americas, and one of the country’s best textile collections. Its copper-clad building, designed by Herzog & de Meuron and opened in 2005, is slowly turning green as it weathers, and its twisting tower has one of the best free views in the city.
In this guide
This guide is part of our San Francisco attractions hub and our best museums in San Francisco list.
What to see
- American art: paintings and sculpture from the colonial era to the 20th century, including works by Georgia O’Keeffe and Wayne Thiebaud.
- Art of Africa, Oceania and the Americas: masks, sculpture and ceremonial objects.
- Textiles and costume: rugs, garments and fashion, often shown in changing exhibitions.
- Special exhibitions: major touring shows that need a separate or upgraded ticket.
- Sculpture garden: free to enter, beside the café.
The free observation tower
The Hamon Observation Tower is free and does not need a museum ticket. Take the elevator to the ninth floor for 360-degree views over Golden Gate Park, the Golden Gate Bridge, downtown and the Pacific. It is one of the best free things in the city, especially on a clear afternoon. See more in our best views in San Francisco guide.
Tickets, free days and hours
General admission is around $20 for adults, with discounts for seniors and students, and visitors 17 and under are free. General admission is free for everyone on the first Tuesday of the month, and Bay Area residents can visit free on Saturdays. Special exhibitions usually cost extra.
The museum is typically open Tuesday through Sunday and closed on Mondays. One ticket also covers same-day entry to the Legion of Honor, the de Young’s sister museum. Check current details on the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco website, and see our free museum days guide.
Tips and getting there
Allow two to three hours for the collection. The tower closes a little before the museum. The de Young faces the California Academy of Sciences across the Music Concourse, and the Japanese Tea Garden is next door. Take the N Judah to Ninth Avenue or the 44 bus, or park in the garage under the concourse.
Official resources: Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco.
Frequently asked questions
Is the de Young tower free?
Yes. The Hamon Observation Tower is free and open to everyone without a ticket.
When is the de Young free?
General admission is free on the first Tuesday of each month, and on Saturdays for Bay Area residents.
How long do you need at the de Young?
Two to three hours is enough for the main collection and the tower.
Is the de Young open on Mondays?
No. The museum is usually closed on Mondays.
Photo credits
Featured image: Giuseppe Milo / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0; The free observation tower: Mark Miller / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain.