SF MoMA 
151 Third Street, (between Mission and Howard) 
(415) 357-4000 
Closed Wednesdays
Other days open 11:00 A.M. 6:00 P.M.

Admission:  
$9.00 for adults, $6.00 for Seniors &  
$5.00 for students

This is another of the new precious gems that have landed in San Francisco. Complementing the popular Yerba Buena Gardens next door, SF MOMA sits in a breathtaking building that houses a magnificent collection of Modern Art, within easy walking distance of downtown.

The San Francisco Museum of Art began in 1935, and was the first Museum of its kind, on the West Coast, to strictly showcase art from the twentieth century. The name was changed to the Museum of Modern Art in 1975 to reflect it current ideals, of only displaying the finest in the "Modern" style. The Museum grew, and eventually opened the doors to its glorious modern brick facility in January 1995. The SFMOMA building was designed by renowned Swiss architect Mario Botta and heralded and a combination of color, form and function.

SF MOMA’s present curator, David A. Ross has a distinguished reputation, previously serving as the director of the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York and of the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston. He has amassed a worthy collection and the Museum is constantly looking for new works to purchase.

The SF MOMA collection is huge. The permanent collections contains over 18,000 pieces including over 9,000 photographs, 3,200 architectural drawings, 5,500 painting and a growing collection of media arts including videos, film and Internet/web offerings. The Museum features the largest comprehensive resource of contemporary art on the West Coast.

SF MOMA features many scholarly departments including the Department of Painting and Sculpture, Dept. Of Photography, Dept. Of Architecture and Design, Dept. Of Media Arts, Dept. of Education and Public Programs, The Elise S. Haas Conservation Studio and others. The Museum’s research Library is open to scholars and independent researchers by appointment.

The Museum is featuring many exquisite works throughout the summer including works by MAGRITTE, WALKER EVANS, MATISSE, PAUL KLEE, ROBERT GOBER and a selection of Contemporary Japanese Textiles.

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is located at 151 Third Street, between Mission and Howard. (415) 357-4000 for information about current exhibits. The Museum is closed on Wednesday, but open every other day from 11:00 A.M. 6:00 P.M. It is also open late on Thursdays until 9:00 which also offer half-priced admission. The First Tuesday of every month is free to everyone. The regular price of admission is $9.00 for adults, $6.00 for Seniors, $5.00 for students, and children under twelve are admitted free. A cute cafe sits in front of the museum offering a pleasant post museum experience. This Museum is definitely worth a visit; to view the thought provoking and innovative works of art within, and for the interior and exterior of the building itself.

 - by Bob Ecker June 21, 2000