Free Museum Days in San Francisco, California
If you’re planning to visit San Francisco and tour some of the many museums in the city, you may be in for a bit of sticker shock. The average admission price for museums in San Francisco is around $25 per person, which can make a big difference when planning your vacation budget. Fortunately, most of the museums in the city offer monthly admission-free days, where visitors can enjoy the museums without shelling out big bucks. So, get ready for some free museum fun the next time you visit San Francisco, California.
Conservatory of Flowers
Located at Golden Gate Park, visitors can enter free on the first Tuesday of each month to view a collection of aquatic plants, tropical plants and special exhibits all framed by a stunning Victorian era conservatory greenhouse building. (Website)
SF Camerawork
Open to the public for free tours on the first Tuesday of each month, this unique museum features a large collection of photography, video and visual imagery created by established and new visual artists.
Cartoon Art Museum
Peruse a permanent and rotating collection of historic and contemporary cartoon art, comics, digital animation and more at this museum’s “Pay what you can day” on the first Tuesday of each month.
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
Visitors will enjoy live performances, rotating art exhibits and film presentations at this multidisciplinary contemporary art center. Open free to the public on the first Tuesday of each month.
de Young Museum
This popular San Francisco museum in Golden Gate Park is home to a large collection of American artwork and textiles, and also offers a calendar of rotating exhibits featuring art from around the world. Free admission on the first Tuesday of each month (special exhibit fees not included).
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)
Tour an extensive collection of modern art at this contemporary museum that exhibits works by popular names such as Salvador Dali, Picasso and Ansel Adams. Open free to the public on the first Tuesday of each month.
Legion of Honor
Open to the public for free tours on the first Tuesday of each month, this museum features ornate Beaux-Arts architecture, a large collection of ancient art, European paintings, decorative arts, and stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
These museums offer free admission on Wednesdays.
Bay Area Discovery Museum
Kids of all ages will love this museum located across the bay in Sausalito. Open free to the public on the first Wednesday of each month, this kid-friendly museum offers hands-on exhibits, art projects, an outdoor play area and more.
California Academy of Sciences
San Francisco’s popular science and natural history museum was recently rebuilt using green and sustainable building materials and methods. The museum offers a planetarium, an aquarium, a four-story rainforest, and a living roof featuring plants and flowers. Open free on the first Wednesday of each month.
The Exploratorium
Get ready to explore the world of science at this kid-friendly museum devoted to science and human perception. The museum is open for free tours on the first Wednesday of each month, and offers more than 400 interactive exhibits that visitors of all ages can enjoy.
Get free admission to these museums on Thursdays.
Chinese Historical Society of America
Located in San Francisco’s historic Chinatown, this unique museum offers visitors a look into Chinese history and culture through a range of interesting exhibits, educational programs, exhibitions and special events. Open free to the public on the first Thursday of each month.
Museum of Craft & Folk Art
This interesting museum offers an eclectic combination of handmade crafts, folk art, paper arts, textiles and other primitive art pieces and is open free to the public on the first Thursday of every month.
The following museums offer free admission on Sundays.
Asian Art Museum
Peruse the one of the world’s largest collections of Asian art at this museum that boasts more than 17,000 items in its permanent collection and hosts a range of rotating exhibits and special events throughout the year. Free admission on the first Sunday of each month (special exhibit fees not included).
Oakland Museum of California
Head across the bay to visit this interesting museum filled with items that tell the story of California through art, natural science, fossils, Native American artifacts, and more. Open free to the public on the first Sunday of each month.
Visit these museums for everyday free admission.
Cable Car Museum
Learn all about the history, heritage and continuing traditions of cable cars in San Francisco at this free museum that features antique cable cars, machinery and other artifacts.
Randall Museum
This children’s museum offers hands-on exhibits, classes, workshops, presentations, special events, and many interactive learning experiences for children and adults.
Chinese Cultural Center Gallery
View contemporary art pieces by Chinese artists at this cultural center that is open to the public for free tours.
Museo Italo Americano
Learn more about Italian culture and the history of Italian immigrants through a range of art exhibits, classes and cultural programs offered at this free museum.
San Francisco Fire Department Museum
History buffs and fire engine lovers will appreciate this museum that preserves the history of San Francisco’s fire departments through exhibits featuring historic apparatus, antique fire engines, photographs, hoses, uniforms, badges, and more.
Most museums in San Francisco are closed on Mondays. Visit the San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau for more information on museums and other attractions in San Francisco.