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San Francisco, California / Museums

de Young Museum

A premier fine arts museum in Golden Gate Park, featuring a striking modern building by Herzog & de Meuron and a copper-clad observation tower with city views.

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What is the de Young Museum known for?

The de Young Museum is a fine arts museum in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park and, together with the Legion of Honor, forms the city's largest public arts institution.

What are the hours?

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 am to 5:15 pm and is closed on Mondays.

How much does it cost?

Adult tickets are $20, seniors (65+) are $17, and students with a valid ID are $11. Admission is free for members and youth aged 17 and under.

Is it free?

General admission is free on the first Tuesday of every month and every Saturday for residents of the nine Bay Area counties. Additionally, free admission to the permanent collection is offered daily at 4:30 pm.

Is it good for kids?

Yes, the museum offers a family program called de Youngsters Day Out and provides free admission to the permanent collection galleries for visitors aged 17 and under.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The de Young Museum, formally known as the M. H. de Young Memorial Museum, is a cornerstone of San Francisco's largest public arts institution, which it shares with the Legion of Honor. Named after the early San Francisco newspaperman M. H. de Young, the museum is situated on the West Side of the city within the lush surroundings of Golden Gate Park. Visitors today experience a stunning contemporary structure that opened in 2005, designed by the internationally acclaimed architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron. One of the most distinctive features of the building is its tower, which is clad in a copper skin specifically designed to oxidize and change color over time, blending the museum into the park's natural landscape. Beyond its architectural brilliance, the museum offers a rich array of programmatic offerings. Guests can engage with the museum through docent-led tours, gallery conversations, and specialized events like the de Youngsters Day Out 2026 family program. These initiatives ensure the museum remains a dynamic space for art appreciation and community engagement. For those seeking a different perspective, the Hamon Observation Tower provides a unique vantage point of the city and park. While the museum galleries are open until 5:15 pm, the Hamon Observation Tower maintains its own separate public visiting hours, closing at 4:30 pm.

Visitor tips

  • Visit the Hamon Observation Tower, the museum store, and the café for free, as they do not require a ticket for entry.
  • If you are a resident of the nine Bay Area counties, visit on a Saturday for free general admission.
  • Arrive at 4:30 pm to enjoy free admission to the permanent collection galleries.
  • Plan your visit for the first Tuesday of every month for free general admission for all visitors.

Nearby context

Located in the heart of Golden Gate Park, the de Young Museum is a primary cultural hub on the West Side of San Francisco, providing a sophisticated artistic counterpoint to the park's natural beauty.

Sources

Evidence and links