Several San Francisco museums open their doors for free on a set day each month, and a few never charge at all. Schedules change, and free days often need a timed reservation, so check the museum’s own site before you go.
In this guide
This guide is part of our San Francisco attractions hub. For more ways to save, see free things to do in San Francisco and the best museums in San Francisco.
| Museum | Free admission |
|---|---|
| de Young | First Tuesday of the month, and Saturdays for Bay Area residents |
| Legion of Honor | First Tuesday of the month, and Saturdays for Bay Area residents |
| Asian Art Museum | First Sunday of the month |
| Yerba Buena Center for the Arts | Galleries free every Wednesday |
| SFMOMA | Always free for visitors 18 and under |
| Cable Car Museum | Always free, closed Mondays |
de Young and Legion of Honor
The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco run both museums. General admission to the permanent collection is free on the first Tuesday of every month. On Saturdays, residents of the nine Bay Area counties get in free with a reservation and proof of address. Free Saturdays are paused during the yearly Bouquets to Art event. Both museums are open Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30am to 5:15pm. The observation level of the de Young’s Hamon Tower is free every open day, even without a museum ticket.
Asian Art Museum
The Asian Art Museum at Civic Center has free general admission on the first Sunday of each month. Special exhibitions still have a charge on those days, and walk-up spots are limited, so reserve a timed ticket ahead.
YBCA and SFMOMA
The galleries at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in SoMa are free every Wednesday, with longer evening hours. Across the street, SFMOMA is always free for anyone 18 and under. Its old Free First Thursdays program has been paused, so check the SFMOMA site for any community free days.
Museums that are always free
The Cable Car Museum on Nob Hill is free and lets you watch the machinery that pulls the cables. It is closed on Mondays. The Musée Mécanique at Fisherman’s Wharf is free to enter, and you pay only for the antique arcade games you play. The ground floor murals at Coit Tower are free too.
Library passes and other programs
San Francisco residents with a library card can reserve free or discounted passes to museums and other venues through the San Francisco Public Library’s Discover & Go program. Bank of America cardholders get free general admission at participating museums on the first full weekend of each month through Museums on Us. Many museums also join Museums for All, which offers reduced admission to visitors with an EBT card.
Tips for free days
Free days are busy, especially on weekends. Reserve timed tickets where they are offered, arrive at opening and plan to see the permanent collection, since special exhibitions often cost extra.
Official resources: Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Asian Art Museum free and reduced admission, YBCA visit, SFPL Discover & Go, Museums on Us.
Frequently asked questions
Which San Francisco museums are free every day?
The Cable Car Museum is always free, and SFMOMA is always free for visitors 18 and under. The de Young’s tower observation level is also free.
When is the de Young free?
On the first Tuesday of every month for everyone, and on Saturdays for Bay Area residents with a reservation.
Is the California Academy of Sciences ever free?
It does not have a regular monthly free day. Check its website for discounts, including one for arriving on foot, by bike or by transit.
Photo credits
Featured image: Mark Miller / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain.