If you’re in San Francisco and looking to spend some time viewing an extensive modern/contemporary art collection all in one place, you need to head on over to SFMOMA.  It’s one of the largest museums in the country, located in a central, chill part of downtown San Francisco.  Plus it’s really easy to get to by BART (the public metro system in the Bay Area).

The museum has 7 floors of gallery space and plenty of artist’s works to explore.  The type of art on display range from video, sculpture, photography and paintings.  File for later…the museum has commissioned Kara Walker to create an installation for one of their street level galleries.  This is expected to open July 2024.  If she’s an artist that you track, check in with SFMOMA to see when the installation will open to the public.  And just to plug her some more…she’s a native Californian, born in Stockton.

Yerba Buena

Once you’re done wandering the museum galleries, and possibly dropping some money in the museum store, head over across 3rd Street to chill in Yerba Buena Gardens.  This is a really nice green area of downtown where you can go and just be.  There is a gorgeous waterfall, which is a memorial to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  On it you’ll find words of inspiration and some of his accomplishments as a civil rights leader.

Check out the gardens…namely the Cho-En Butterfly Garden, the Reflection Garden or any of the 5 acre green space that makes up the Yerba Buena Gardens.  If you want to be more active, you have the options of ice skating or bowling which are year round.

If the stars align and business takes you to San Francisco, you might end up at the Moscone Center. This meeting space is adjacent to the Yerba Buena Gardens.  I consider Moscone to be the convention center of SF.  After your business is over for the day, consider eating at any of the many nearby restaurants. Or get a happy hour drink.  

In total, this part of SF really will satisfy a lot of your art, outdoor, dining curiosity.  I hope you enjoy!  Until next time…

May the road rise to meet you and the wind be at your back.