The Beat Museum

The Beat Museum is an art museum in North Beach, San Francisco, dedicated to the literature and art movement of the Beat Generation. The collection displays handwritten manuscripts, photographs, personal objects, and first editions that document the creative output of this era.

The museum was founded in Monterey in 2003 and moved to San Francisco in 2006, settling in the former Swiss American Hotel. This building was an important gathering place for Beat writers and represents the movement's connection to the city.

The museum honors Beat writers and their connection to the counterculture movement of the 1950s and 1960s. Visitors can see how these authors challenged society and introduced new forms of writing that continue to influence artists today.

The museum is open Thursday through Monday and offers a visit of about one hour. Visitors should note that weekends tend to be busier, and the rooms can feel somewhat crowded during peak times.

The museum displays personal items such as Neal Cassady's referee shirt from the Acid Test movement. Another highlight is the 1949 Hudson car that later appeared in the On The Road film, showing how literature and cinema were intertwined in this era.

Location: San Francisco

Inception: 2003

Address: 540 Broadway, San Francisco, CA 94133

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 10:00-19:00; Tuesday off; Wednesday off

Website: http://kerouac.com

GPS coordinates: 37.79806,-122.40618

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:42