One of the largest collections of Asian art outside Asia, in the old main library building on Civic Center Plaza. The collection spans six thousand years and the building itself (a Beaux-Arts library converted by Gae Aulenti) is worth the visit on its own.
Good with older children, particularly the arms and armour and the Buddhist sculpture halls. Check the site for current admission and free days before you go.
Opening Hours
| Monday | 10 am–5 pm |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 1 pm–8 pm |
| Friday | 10 am–5 pm |
| Saturday | 10 am–5 pm |
| Sunday | 10 am–5 pm |
Closed Tue-Wed.
From the venue’s own page, checked September 19, 2026. Holiday hours and one-off closures can differ.
Getting There
- MMarket St & 8th StF Market & Wharves streetcar · 0.1 mi, about 3 min walk
- MCivic Center StationMuni Metro J K L M N · 0.1 mi, about 3 min walk
- BCivic Center / UN Plaza BART0.2 mi, about 4 min walk
Transit directions, including buses
Nearest Muni Metro, streetcar and cable car stops and BART stations, from SFMTA and BART published stop data. Distances are straight-line, and walking times are our estimate. Buses aren’t listed here.
More in SoMa
Coming up Nearby
- YBG Dance Day Sun, Oct 11 · Yerba Buena Gardens
- Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration Mon, Oct 12 · Yerba Buena Gardens
- Richard Howell’s John Coltrane Tribute at Yerba Buena Gardens Thu, Oct 15 · Great Lawn, Yerba Buena Gardens
Places in the Neighborhood
- Children’s Creativity Museum Museums
- SFMOMA Museums
- Berggruen Gallery Art Galleries
- Sightglass Coffee Coffee Shops
- SOMArts Cultural Center Art Galleries
- South Park Parks & Playgrounds
2 upcoming events here on our calendar. This page updates itself as we add events.
Coming up Here
Asian Art Museum Free First Sunday
Sun · 10 am · Asian Art Museum
Hayes ValleyFree
Japanese New Year Bell-Ringing Ceremony
Thu · 1 pm · Asian Art Museum
Civic Center & TenderloinMuseum admission
Getting There
- MMarket St & 8th StF Market & Wharves streetcar · 0.1 mi, about 3 min walk
- MCivic Center StationMuni Metro J K L M N · 0.1 mi, about 3 min walk
- BCivic Center / UN Plaza BART0.2 mi, about 4 min walk
Transit directions, including buses
Nearest Muni Metro, streetcar and cable car stops and BART stations, from SFMTA and BART published stop data. Distances are straight-line, and walking times are our estimate. Buses aren’t listed here.
Mentioned in Our Guides
Questions People Ask About Asian Art Museum
Is the Asian Art Museum free for children?
Yes. Admission is free for children 12 and under. Teenagers 13 to 17 pay $14, the same as college students with ID.
When is the Asian Art Museum free?
On the first Sunday of every month general admission is free for everyone. Special exhibitions still cost money that day, but at a reduced $10.
What days is the Asian Art Museum closed?
Tuesday and Wednesday. It is open Friday through Monday from 10 am to 5 pm, plus Thursday afternoons and evenings from 1 pm to 8 pm.
Do I need to book Asian Art Museum tickets ahead?
The museum asks visitors to book timed tickets online in advance, so pick your slot before you travel rather than counting on walking up.
Cite this page: Project SF, “Asian Art Museum”, projectsf.com/listings/asian-art-museum/ (updated ).