Asian Art Museum of San Francisco

The Asian Art Museum of San Francisco is an art museum in Civic Center housing over three floors with more than 18,000 artworks from China, Korea, Japan, India, and other Asian countries. The collection spans a broad range of art forms and periods reflecting the creative diversity of the Asian continent.

The museum originated from Chicago millionaire Avery Brundage's donation in the 1960s and was initially located in Golden Gate Park. It moved to its current Civic Center location in 2003, where it has been housed since.

The collection displays sculptures, paintings, textiles, and ceremonial objects that reflect various religious and social traditions across Asian cultures. Visitors can see how these works played both spiritual and everyday roles in different societies.

The museum offers free guided tours, audio guides in multiple languages, and special exhibitions, with reduced admission on Thursday evenings. Wide galleries make comfortable walking easy, and clear labels help visitors find their way around.

The second floor features an authentic Japanese tea house built in Kyoto, dismantled, and reassembled by Japanese craftsmen in San Francisco. This functioning structure allows visitors to experience traditional Japanese tea ceremony practices in their original spatial setting.

Location: San Francisco

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10:00-17:00; Monday closed; February 8- September 27 Thursday 10:00-21:00

GPS coordinates: 37.78030,-122.41597

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:27