Asian Art Museum

Overview

The Asian Art Museum houses one of the most comprehensive collections of Asian art in the world, with over 18,000 objects spanning 6,000 years from across Asia. Located in the former Main Library building in Civic Center.

Highlights

• Chinese Jade Collection: One of the finest jade collections in the Western world, spanning from Neolithic period to modern times.
• Japanese Gallery: Outstanding collection of samurai armor, Buddhist sculpture, and ukiyo-e woodblock prints.
• Contemporary Wing: The 2020 expansion by wHY architecture added contemporary art galleries connecting ancient traditions to living Asian art practices.

History

Founded on the collection of Avery Brundage, who donated nearly 8,000 Asian artworks to San Francisco in the 1960s. The museum moved to its current Beaux-Arts building (Gae Aulenti renovation) in 2003.

Visitor Tips

• Free First Sundays: Admission is free on the first Sunday of every month.
• Café Asia: The museum café serves excellent Asian-inspired dishes with ingredients from local farms.
• Duration: 1.5–2 hours.