SFMOMA is an amazing museum, but it’s not cheap. The standard adult admission fee for SFMOMA is $25 for adults and this does not include special exhibitions. However, children under the age of 18 are always free! Keep reading to learn how to enjoy SFMOMA without paying the high cost of admission.
In 2016, the museum expanded nearly three times in size thanks, in part, to the partnership between SFMOMA and the Fishers (the founders of Gap, Inc., the clothing store). The Fishers have one of the world’s largest collections of modern and contemporary art. The agreement to display the collection at SFMOMA presented the museum with a wonderful problem; how to exhibit all this amazing art. The museum launched a campaign to get funding for the expansion and in 2013, the museum closed for three years to complete the construction.
The newly expanded museum re-opened in 2016. It includes 45,000 square feet of space that does not require an admission fee. This space and the art in it is yours to enjoy, free of charge.
Currently, the free area includes works by Richard Serra, Frida Kahlo and Julie Mehretu among others.
The museum also has a Public Knowledge Library, a temporary branch of the San Francisco Public Library. A wonderful respite for a weary traveler or a quite space on your way home from work or running errands.
The museum opens at 10 am every day except Wednesday (when it is closed). It closes at 6 pm Friday through Tuesday and stays open until 9:30 pm on Thursday. Standard admission to the paid area is $18 for adults, but visitors 18 and younger are always FREE!
Pro-tip – The museum also has bathrooms and water fountains available for your use. It’s the most cultural pit-stop in the City.
PSST…PSST!!! San Francisco residents can get free entry to SFMOMA through the Discover & Go program at the San Francisco Library. All you need is a library card. Which of course is FREE!!! Check it out at SFPL.org.