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The de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park

No. 92 Top 100 Most Visited Art Museums 2025 · 840,573 visitors in 2025

de Young Museum

San Francisco, United States · City guide: San Francisco

Art of the Americas, Africa and Oceania in a copper-clad building in Golden Gate Park.

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Photo: Giuseppe Milo, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

The de Young Museum is No. 92 in The Art Newspaper's survey of the world's most visited art museums, with 840,573 visitors in 2025, up 7% on 2024. Part of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, it stands in Golden Gate Park; its current building, by Herzog & de Meuron, opened in 2005.

The perforated copper skin of the building is slowly weathering to green. Inside are American art from the 17th century to today, art from Africa, Oceania and the Americas, and international textiles.

The café patio of the de Young Museum
The café patio of the de Young Museum. Photo: Daderot, CC0, source

Best time to visit

Weekday mornings are the quietest. The museum is closed on Mondays; check the official website for hours.

Highlights & collections

  • 1

    American art

    Paintings and sculpture from colonial times to the present.

  • 2

    Art of Africa, Oceania and the Americas

    Masks, sculpture and objects from across these regions.

  • 3

    Hamon Observation Tower

    A free observation floor with views over the park and city.

  • 4

    Sculpture garden

    A free garden with works by modern artists.

  • 5

    Textile arts

    Rotating displays from a large international collection.

Getting there

The de Young is at 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive in Golden Gate Park, opposite the California Academy of Sciences. Muni buses and the N Judah streetcar stop within walking distance.

Visiting tips

Tickets & hours
Buy tickets online. Check the official website for prices, free days and hours.
Time needed
Two to three hours.
Currency
US dollar (USD). Cards and phone payments are accepted almost everywhere. Tipping is customary: around 18–20% in sit-down restaurants and a dollar or two per drink in bars.
Visa & entry
Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries (including the UK, most EU countries, Australia and Japan) need an approved ESTA before they travel; most other visitors need a visa. Canadian citizens generally need neither for a short visit. Apply only on the official site esta.cbp.dhs.gov and check travel.state.gov for the current rules.

Official information: de Young Museum (official website). Check opening hours, prices and entry rules there before you go.

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