Asian Art Museum
Asian Art Museum
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Spanning cultures from Turkey to India and China to the Philippines through 6,000 years, the collection provides a panorama of Asian art and culture. Included are over 18,000 objects ranging from tiny jades to monumental sculptures. Superb paintings, porcelains, arms and armor, furniture, textiles, and bronzes are featured.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Civic Center
Civic Center is the seat of power for all things government and performance-related in the city. Although its streets are best walked during daytime, numerous cultural gems are within close proximity to one another. The symphony, opera, ballet, and jazz center offer year round entertainment within the shadow of the city’s Beaux-Arts crown jewel: the gold tipped dome of City Hall.
How to get there
- Civic Center • 4 min walk
- Civic Center • 4 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
4,243 within 5 kms
Attractions
792 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- travelingbloom1120 contributionsVery Thorough and Excellent MuseumAmazing museum! It has great artifacts and history through the ages and you can see the evolution and change. Great to get perspective on the unique dynamics and changes of Asia and the influences that impact modern day. Starting on the 3rd floor to the 1st was a suggestion for chronological order. Very good special exhibit and contemporary art. Highly recommend!Visited December 2022Travelled soloWritten December 11, 2022
- Thomas VOakland, California16,372 contributionsImportant MuseumEach time I visit this museum, I end up seeing just a small portion of the display because there is so much here. They do try to represent all regions of Asia. Lots of treasures installed in a gorgeous building, the former library.Visited June 2023Written June 15, 2023
- ElissaLos Angeles, California597 contributionsGreat Museum, Great ServiceThis is a wonderfully curated museum with a huge collection of Asian Art, a huge gift shop, and a huge special exhibition space. When I needed to change my ticket day, customer support was so helpful and quick to reissue my ticket. Everyone at the museum was very nice, and the Asian Box restaurant was great too. I'm surprised the museum was so empty!Visited July 2023Written July 11, 2023
- MILOUWNew York City, New York1,322 contributionsCan do betterHaving explored several times this important Asian Art Museum this last visit was a disappointment as a substantial number of halls were under noisy construction/renovation. It appears that the Japanese section was mostly off limits. Temporary exhibition of a local modern artist was limited and average. The main temporary show did not appeal to us as we had seen the artist elsewhere and the admission price appeared excessive.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten November 28, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,549 reviews
Excellent
1,028
Very good
416
Average
78
Poor
14
Terrible
13
MILOUW
New York City, NY1,322 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Couples
Having explored several times this important Asian Art Museum this last visit was a disappointment as a substantial number of halls were under noisy construction/renovation.
It appears that the Japanese section was mostly off limits.
Temporary exhibition of a local modern artist was limited and average.
The main temporary show did not appeal to us as we had seen the artist elsewhere and the admission price appeared excessive.
It appears that the Japanese section was mostly off limits.
Temporary exhibition of a local modern artist was limited and average.
The main temporary show did not appeal to us as we had seen the artist elsewhere and the admission price appeared excessive.
Written November 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elissa
Los Angeles, CA597 contributions
Jul. 2023
This is a wonderfully curated museum with a huge collection of Asian Art, a huge gift shop, and a huge special exhibition space. When I needed to change my ticket day, customer support was so helpful and quick to reissue my ticket. Everyone at the museum was very nice, and the Asian Box restaurant was great too. I'm surprised the museum was so empty!
Written July 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas V
Oakland, CA16,372 contributions
Jun. 2023
Each time I visit this museum, I end up seeing just a small portion of the display because there is so much here. They do try to represent all regions of Asia. Lots of treasures installed in a gorgeous building, the former library.
Written June 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SeeMeByTheSea
Berkeley, CA16 contributions
Apr. 2023 • Friends
They NEVER answer the phone. I tried calling for 5 days, left 3 messages, just wanted to know if we could dance at an upcoming show... no response. No one ever answered the phone or called back. : ( I also tried emailing 2 days ago... still no response.
Written April 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ETsang20
Sacramento, CA8 contributions
Jan. 2023
a must see Asian art museum~ besides its extensive ancient Asian art, now it has a new contemporary art , recently it hosted Kongkee, the warriing states; it still has Bernice Bing, etc
Written February 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travelingbloom11
20 contributions
Dec. 2022 • Solo
Amazing museum! It has great artifacts and history through the ages and you can see the evolution and change. Great to get perspective on the unique dynamics and changes of Asia and the influences that impact modern day. Starting on the 3rd floor to the 1st was a suggestion for chronological order. Very good special exhibit and contemporary art. Highly recommend!
Written December 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Arun K
Nagpur District, India2,933 contributions
Aug. 2022 • Couples
The museum, which specialises in Asian history & culture has brilliant collection of Asian art.
There are thoughtful placements from various countries of Asia say China, Japan, Korea , India, Indonesia etc . Whenever we visit San Francisco, feel like visiting this place as it gives us immense pleasure.
Along with art galleries, the three floor museum has awesome amenities like cafe , shop/ boutique, children learning center, education center etc.
A worth visiting place to see Chinese, Japanese & Indian ancient arts.
The admission to museum is free on first Sunday of every month.
The front bench & staff is very cooperative.
There are thoughtful placements from various countries of Asia say China, Japan, Korea , India, Indonesia etc . Whenever we visit San Francisco, feel like visiting this place as it gives us immense pleasure.
Along with art galleries, the three floor museum has awesome amenities like cafe , shop/ boutique, children learning center, education center etc.
A worth visiting place to see Chinese, Japanese & Indian ancient arts.
The admission to museum is free on first Sunday of every month.
The front bench & staff is very cooperative.
Written August 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trup
New York, NY1,213 contributions
Jun. 2022
Gorgeous facility and an extraordinary collection of both antique and modern art pieces. Allow 2-3 hours. Reasonable admissions price. Parking available a half block away at $8/hour. If you have ANY interest in Asia, then this is a fine activity for you.
Written June 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alessandra Matino
Sao Paulo, SP147 contributions
Apr. 2022
This museum has a super collection of Asian Art and has a lot of history too.
If you like history and you have some Asian Heritage like me, you will enjoy it.
The length of your visit will be depend of your interests and appetite for history.
I hope that you enjoy it much like I enjoyed. Have Fun =))
If you like history and you have some Asian Heritage like me, you will enjoy it.
The length of your visit will be depend of your interests and appetite for history.
I hope that you enjoy it much like I enjoyed. Have Fun =))
Written April 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
StephenCross
Dublin, Ireland18,406 contributions
Apr. 2022 • Couples
Another stunning building that sits opposite to City Hall and across the park. It’s not a opulent as City Hall but attractive to view.
Written April 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
artfuls0ul
South San Francisco, CA
How much does it cost today
Thomas M
Long Island, NY15 contributions
Adults are $25, Seniors and teens 13-17 $20, children under 13 free.
Maria
13 contributions
Where is the nearby parking? Few options if one is full?
Asian Art Museum
San Francisco, CA
Thanks, everyone.
Besides the Civic Center Garage right across the street from the museum, there's also the UC Hastings College of the Law Parking Garage on Larkin Street between McAllister Street and Golden Gate Avenue, one block north of the museum.
The garages tend to have more availability on weekends.
Hope this helps.
Tutu9
Lafayette, CA1 contribution
Is it necessary to purchase museum ticket in order to eat in cafe?
Asian Art Museum
San Francisco, CA
Nope! Simply check in at the front desk and they'll issue you a fun sticker to allow you to access the café.
Enjoy your visit (and be sure to check out the store for any last minute stocking-stuffers you might have on your list).
jskjunks
Oakland, CA
Can I get my ticket for the Emperors' Treasures Exhibition when I get to the museum? Or do I need to purchase the ticket in advance and show up at the museum at exactly that time.
Asian Art Museum
San Francisco, CA
Hi Jskjunks,
Thanks for your inquiry. You can purchase your ticket for Emperors' Treasures at the door when you arrive at the museum.
Hope to see you soon.
Anne B
Virginia41 contributions
Is the cafe seated table service or cafeteria style?
Is it possible to reserve a table -- I have a group of 9, including one person in a wheel chair. Thanks!
localman2014
San Francisco, CA3 contributions
The cafe is cafeteria style, no table service. What I would do is when you first enter the museum go directly to the cafe and talk with them about seeing if you can resrve a spot for your nine people at a set time. Good luck!
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Claim your listingASIAN ART MUSEUM - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Asian Art Museum
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Asian Art Museum:
- Go City: San Francisco Explorer Pass - Choose 2, 3, 4 or 5 Attractions (From C$90.48)
- Go City: San Francisco All-Inclusive Pass with 25+ Attractions (From C$115.15)
- The San Francisco Sightseeing Day Pass: Save BIG at 30+ Attractions & Tours (From C$101.44)
- The San Francisco Sightseeing Flex Pass: A Golden Gate Ticket to 30+ Attractions (From C$87.73)
- 1 Day Hop-On Hop-Off Tour (From C$100.06)
- Hotels near Asian Art Museum:
- (0.08 km) Vantaggio Suites Abigai
- (0.36 km) Phoenix Hotel
- (0.35 km) San Francisco Proper
- (0.33 km) BEI San Francisco, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
- (0.25 km) Hotel Whitcomb
- Restaurants near Asian Art Museum:
- (0.15 km) Golden Era Vegan Restaurant
- (0.21 km) Sam's Diner
- (0.18 km) Gyro King
- (0.15 km) Trisara
- (0.07 km) Soluna Cafe and Lounge
- Attractions near Asian Art Museum:
- (0.12 km) San Francisco City Guides
- (0.17 km) Orpheum Theatre
- (0.14 km) San Francisco Public Library
- (0.15 km) Immersive Gamebox - Stonestown Galleria
- (0.14 km) Civic Center