San FranciscoArts & Culture
San Francisco is a city of inspiration. You can see it all around you, in whichever neighborhoods you visit.
San Francisco's art scene is vibrant and dynamic, with a rich history of artistic tradition, from murals to cutting edge performing arts. Today, the city is home to a thriving community of artists who work in a wide range of media, from painting and sculpture to video and performance art. In its energy, its diversity, and its creativity, San Francisco’s art scene embodies all the best of the City by the Bay.
Always Artistic
Always Artistic
Always creative, always artistic, always San Francisco. From Bayview to Dogpatch to Chinatown and the Presidio, you'll find creativity around every corner. International film festivals like SFFILM and Frameline in the Castro, world renown performing arts companies that include SF Opera, SF Ballet and SF Symphony in Civic Center, and stunning contemporary art installations in our brand new Central Subway make any visit unforgettable. Step inside the Exploratorium to awaken you inner scientist, stroll beneath Chinatown's Lantern Stories, or catch a play at the venerable A.C.T. Toni Rembe Theatre. San Francisco will inspire you in our lush creative landscape.
The Exploratorium
Described as a mad scientist's penny arcade, a scientific funhouse, and an experimental laboratory all rolled into one, the Exploratorium is regarded as the world’s foremost interactive science museum. With more than 650 hands-on exhibits that ignite curiosity and transform the way people learn, visitors of all ages can play, observe, and discover.
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SFMOMA
The home for modern and contemporary art in San Francisco, and the first of its kind on the west coast, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art showcases boundary-breaking works in painting, sculpture, and photography. Explore all seven stories of the building, which is itself a piece of architectural wonder. Book your tickets ahead of time.
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The California Academy of Sciences
Explore the natural world at the Academy, which houses a rainforest, an aquarium, a planetarium and more, all under one (living) roof. Learn how to plan your visit before booking your tickets ahead of time
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Your Arts & Culture Guide to San Francisco
Brighten your calendar with art, movies, and music in and around the Bay.
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Public Art
From your first steps off the plane at SFO to our biggest and brightest bridge, you'll discover that San Francisco has public art everywhere.
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Museums & Galleries
With more than 50 amazing museums and hundreds of galleries to explore, there is no shortage of ways to be inspired in San Francisco.
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Performing Arts
Performing arts in San Francisco has a calendar full of fun shows. Catch a theater performance, head to the opera, see the ballet or check out local dance groups and prepare to be entertained.
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Music
The creative spirit and steadfast countercultural streak is on display in San Francisco’s music scene. It's time to immerse yourself in our deep music history and experience the San Francisco sound.
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Illuminate SF
San Francisco shines brightest during the holiday season when Illuminate SF™'s Festival of Light covers the city in epic outdoor installations of brilliant light art.
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World-class aquariums, interactive science exhibits, and diverse art collections make San Francisco’s museums a must for any visitor.
The Mission District is a virtual outdoor art gallery full of vibrant murals depicting themes ranging from cultural heritage to social-political statements.
To help you plan ahead and get the most out of your visit to the San Francisco Ballet, we offer you these tips and essential information.
Brighten up your visit to San Francisco by attending these eclectic festivals and celebrations, some of which date back more than 100 years.
A sure sign of spring in San Francisco is Japantown's beloved Cherry Blossom Festival. Learn all about it!
Whether looking through her own eyes or those of her fictional creations, author and illustrator Charlotte Rygh sees nothing but beauty and possibility in San...
One of the stars of "Dear San Francisco" was born and raised here. We asked Devin Henderson what he loves about the City by the Bay.
Keith Secola is an artist that resides in San Francisco and belongs to the Ute Indian tribe and Anishinabe Nation. He shares with us how San Francisco inspires his artwork.