San Francisco Museum of Modern Art: Skip the ticket line

What's inside a seven-story art museum that the New York Times said changed how museums work?

You get seven floors of modern and contemporary art, six terraces with city views, and the largest living wall in the US, all in one ticket. Kids 18 and under are free. The building is three blocks from Union Square, fully accessible, and you can spend as long as you want inside without separate charges for the main galleries. Just book in advance.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

• Arrive at SFMOMA
• Explore modern and contemporary artworks
• Visit six city-view terraces
• Enjoy dining options
• Shop at museum store

The experience

SFMOMA sits three blocks from Union Square, and the ticket gets you into all seven floors without worrying about separate charges for the main collection. You're walking past 33,000 pieces (painting, sculpture, photography, architecture, design, media) spread across the building in a way that doesn't feel like you're checking boxes. The New York Times called it a place that's "changing the face of museums going forward," which sounds like hype until you're actually there and the scale of it hits different.

The building itself is part of the thing. Six outdoor terraces have city views, there's a sculptural staircase you can sit on, Roman steps where people gather, and the largest living wall in the US covers part of the interior. You're not just looking at art. You're moving through spaces designed so you can breathe between galleries. If you bring kids under 18, they're free. Everyone else pays, but the ticket covers the whole day, so you can leave and come back if you want. Just know that special exhibitions like Yayoi Kusama's Infinite Love cost extra and aren't included.

The museum has a restaurant, a café, and a shop if you need to eat or grab something on the way out. Parking garages are nearby, but public transit gets you there just as easily. The location is walkable from downtown hotels and the Moscone Center. Wheelchairs work everywhere. Strollers are fine too. Book ahead because it fills up, especially on weekends.

What’s included

• Your ticket includes admission to all seven floors of galleries, access to six outdoor city-view terraces, the living wall installation, and the sculptural staircase.
• Kids 18 and under enter free.
• Dining options and the museum shop are available on-site.
• The ticket does not include special surcharged exhibitions.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Wednesday

AgesAdult (25 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (19 to 24 years) · Child (13 to 18 years): free · Infant (under 13): free

GroupUp to 15

Audio guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 16 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)

Is this one for you?Right for anyone who wants to see SFMOMA's main collection without buying tickets at the door or figuring out what's included: the flat admission covers everything except special exhibitions, and the location near Union Square means you can combine it with other downtown stops.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (19 to 24 years); Child (13 to 18 years): free; Infant (under 13): free.

What's not included with general admission?

Special surcharged exhibitions like Yayoi Kusama: Infinite Love are separate. The ticket covers the permanent collection and regular galleries.

How do I get to SFMOMA from Union Square?

It's a three-block walk. Public transit stops are nearby, and parking garages are within a few blocks.

Can I bring a stroller or wheelchair?

Yes. Strollers and wheelchairs are welcome. All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

How long should I spend at SFMOMA?

Most people spend two to four hours, but you can stay as long as you want. There's no time limit on the ticket.

Is there food inside the museum?

Yes. There's a restaurant, a café, and a museum shop.

Do I need to book in advance?

It's recommended. The museum fills up, especially on weekends and holidays.

Can I use my ticket on another day?

No. The ticket is for same-day entry only.