San FranciscoArts & Culture
San Francisco is a city of inspiration. You can see it all around you, in whichever neighborhoods you visit.
San Francisco's art scene is vibrant and dynamic, with a rich history of artistic tradition, from murals to cutting edge performing arts. Today, the city is home to a thriving community of artists who work in a wide range of media, from painting and sculpture to video and performance art. In its energy, its diversity, and its creativity, San Francisco’s art scene embodies all the best of the City by the Bay.
Experience the Magic of San Francisco’s Art Scene at SFMOMA
Discover SFMOMA's diverse art collections, exhibitions, and events. Explore 50,000+ works across 7 floors, from photography to sculpture. Plan your visit to San Francisco's cultural gem.
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Your Guide to Film Festivals in San Francisco
At any time of year ,there’s a film festival unreeling in San Francisco. Check out our guide to discover which festivals are happening each month.
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Maps to Help You Explore San Francisco
If you've come to San Francisco to get cultured, you've come to the right place. Our city is full of incredible artistic achievement—in our museums, galleries, and theaters, but also in our parks, atop our buildings, and even on our streets.
Public Art
From your first steps off the plane at SFO to our biggest and brightest bridge, you'll discover that San Francisco has public art everywhere.
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Museums & Galleries
With more than 50 amazing museums and hundreds of galleries to explore, there is no shortage of ways to be inspired in San Francisco.
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Performing Arts
Performing arts in San Francisco has a calendar full of fun shows. Catch a theater performance, head to the opera, see the ballet or check out local dance groups and prepare to be entertained.
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Music
The creative spirit and steadfast countercultural streak is on display in San Francisco’s music scene. It's time to immerse yourself in our deep music history and experience the San Francisco sound.
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Illuminate SF
San Francisco shines brightest during the holiday season when Illuminate SF™'s Festival of Light covers the city in epic outdoor installations of brilliant light art.
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Your Guide to San Francisco's Performing Arts Events This Fall
Here's a helpful round-up of the must-see performances in San Francisco this season.
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Your Guide to San Francisco's Public Art This Fall
In San Francisco, the city is our canvas. No matter which neighborhood you’re exploring, you’re bound to find some breathtaking—and free—art.
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The Exploratorium
Described as a mad scientist's penny arcade, a scientific funhouse, and an experimental laboratory all rolled into one, the Exploratorium is regarded as the world’s foremost interactive science museum. With more than 650 hands-on exhibits that ignite curiosity and transform the way people learn, visitors of all ages can play, observe, and discover.
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SFMOMA
The home for modern and contemporary art in San Francisco, and the first of its kind on the west coast, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art showcases boundary-breaking works in painting, sculpture, and photography. Explore all seven stories of the building, which is itself a piece of architectural wonder. Book your tickets ahead of time.
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The Mission District is an outdoor art gallery full of vibrant murals depicting themes ranging from cultural heritage to social-political statements.
Here's a helpful round-up of the must-see performances in San Francisco this season.
Brighten up your visit to San Francisco by attending these eclectic festivals and celebrations, some of which date back more than 100 years.
To help you plan ahead and get the most out of your visit to the San Francisco Ballet, we offer you these tips and essential information.
San Francisco has a long history with jazz music. Learn about our history and where to find it now, from festivals to clubs and bars.
Explore San Francisco's Cultural Districts
San Francisco leads the way in preserving the character, community, and history of its neighborhoods. Visit our city's Cultural Districts and be part of an authentic local experience.
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