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San Francisco, California / Museums

Museum of the African Diaspora

A contemporary art museum dedicated to the African Diaspora, located in the Yerba Buena Arts District, featuring rotating exhibitions and global cultural conversations.

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Museum of the African Diaspora
www.moadsf.org, og_image_www.moadsf.org

What is the Museum of the African Diaspora known for?

MoAD is a contemporary art museum in San Francisco that exclusively presents artists of the African diaspora. It is one of only a few museums of its kind in the United States and aims to place these artists at the center of global cultural conversations.

How much does it cost to visit?

Adult admission is $15, while seniors, students, and educators pay $7. Admission is free for youth ages 5–12, MoAD members, and active-duty military.

What are the hours?

The museum is generally open Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday from 11am to 5pm, and Thursday from 12pm to 8pm. It is closed on Mondays.

Where is it located?

MoAD is located at 685 Mission Street (at Third) in San Francisco's Yerba Buena Arts District, occupying the first three floors of the St. Regis Museum Tower.

How can I get there?

Visitors can reach the museum by car or via public transportation, including BART and Muni.

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 Museum of the African Diaspora, known as MoAD, is a contemporary art museum in San Francisco that focuses on placing artists of the African Diaspora at the center of global cultural conversation. Founded in December 2005, the museum serves as a cultural beacon where the diaspora shapes contemporary art and celebrates Black cultures through the lens of the global African Diaspora. Located at 685 Mission Street, the museum occupies the first three floors of the St. Regis Museum Tower in the Yerba Buena Arts District. As a nonprofit organization and a Smithsonian Affiliate, MoAD is one of only a few museums of its kind in the United States dedicated to the interpretation of art, artists, and cultures from the African Diaspora. Visitors can explore five contemporary art exhibitions, including the current exhibition 'Unbound: Art, Blackness and the Universe,' which is on view through August 16, 2026. The museum's mission is to ignite challenging conversations and inspire learning through its curated galleries. MoAD has continued to evolve, recently undergoing renovations and gallery upgrades in 2025 to upgrade its interior spaces. This commitment to the city's artistic landscape continues to provide a space for engaging weekly programs, both in person and online.

Visitor tips

  • Plan your visit for the second Saturday of every month at 1 pm for a free drop-in tour with admission.
  • Adult admission is $15, while seniors, students, and educators pay $7, and youth ages 5-12 are free.
  • The museum is closed on Mondays and Fridays (though check for specific dates like Juneteenth on June 19).
  • Use BART or Muni public transit to reach the museum easily.

Nearby context

MoAD is situated in the heart of the Yerba Buena Arts District, placing it within walking distance of the Yerba Buena Gardens and the historic Palace Hotel.

Sources

Evidence and links