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Your Complete Guide to Visiting de Young Museum

Make the Most of Your de Young Museum Visit

Planning your visit to de Young Museum is easy! Whether you’re exploring the museum’s incredible collections or enjoying its stunning architecture, we’ve got all the details you need.

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de Young Museum: American paintings and sculptures

Highlights

Explore a diverse collection of American artworks spanning multiple centuries.

Witness captivating exhibitions featuring textiles, costumes, and decorative arts.

Access same-day general admission to the Legion of Honor included with your ticket.

Enjoy free guided tours offered regularly.

Experience the museum’s commitment to modern cultural conversations and inspirational creativity.

de Young Museum Hours & Best Times to Explore

Opening Hours:
de Young Museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30 AM to 5:15 PM, with the Hamon Observation Tower available during the same hours. The museum is closed on Mondays.

Best Times to Visit:

Optimal Visiting Hours: Arriving between 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM on weekends can help avoid peak crowds.
Weekdays: Generally less crowded, especially in the mornings.

Weekends: Saturdays are busier due to free admission for Bay Area residents; Sundays are slightly less crowded.

Address

de Young Museum
50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive
Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA

Getting to de Young Museum

By Subway/Metro
By Bus
By Cycling/Walking
By Car

The nearest Muni Metro station to the de Young Museum is located at 9th Ave & Irving. From here, it’s about a 15-minute walk to the museum.

You can take the N Judah line, which provides convenient access to Golden Gate Park. If you’re coming from downtown, the ride typically takes around 30 minutes.

Several Muni bus lines serve the area near the de Young Museum. The closest bus stop is Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr/de Young Museum. Here are some of the main bus lines:

44 O’Shaughnessy: This bus line stops directly at the museum entrance and operates 24 hours daily.

5 Fulton: This line runs from Market St & Grant Ave to Fulton St & 10th Ave, with a journey time of around 23 minutes.

5R Fulton Rapid: A faster version of the 5 Fulton, offering quicker service to the museum.

7 Haight/Noriega: Stops at 9th Ave & Irving St, about a 10-minute walk from the museum.

28: Also stops at 9th Ave & Irving St, roughly a 10-minute walk to the museum.

By Bicycle
The de Young Museum is accessible by bike, and there are bicycle racks available near the museum entrance for those who prefer cycling. Golden Gate Park also offers bike-friendly pathways, making it a pleasant route for cyclists.

Walking
If you’re already in Golden Gate Park, walking to the de Young Museum is an easy and enjoyable option. The museum is centrally located within the park, so it’s a great choice for those exploring the area’s attractions on foot.

For those driving to de Young Museum, the museum offers on-site parking at a rate of $5 per hour. There is also limited free parking available along MLK Jr. Dr, where you can park for up to 4 hours.

If the on-site parking is full, additional parking can be found at nearby garages, such as the Music Concourse Garage, just a short walk from the museum.

Know Before You Go

Tickets: It’s highly recommended to purchase your tickets online in advance to avoid waiting in line.

Hours: The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30 AM to 5:15 PM. It is closed on Mondays.

Parking: On-site parking is available at $5 per hour. Free parking can be found along MLK Jr. Dr, with a 4-hour limit. Nearby parking garages, such as the Music Concourse Garage, offer additional options.

Accessibility: The museum is wheelchair accessible, and free wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the visitor services desk.

Food & Drink: The museum has a café offering a variety of snacks and beverages, perfect for a break during your visit.

Photography: Photography is allowed in most areas of the museum, but flash photography and tripods are prohibited. Be sure to check individual exhibit guidelines.

de Young Café: Dine at the Heart of Golden Gate Park

Located within the museum, the de Young Café offers a serene dining experience with both indoor and outdoor seating options. Guests can enjoy meals in the modern café or on the Barbro Osher Sculpture Garden Terrace, which provides views of the museum’s sculptures and the surrounding park.

Hours of Operation

Tuesday – Sunday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Lunch Service: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Grab & Go: 9:30 – 11:00 AM and 3:00 – 4:30 PM

Menu Highlights

The café’s menu features a blend of modern European and New American cuisine, crafted with seasonal ingredients from local vendors. Dishes include herbed pasta with olive vegetable salad, sesame and honey roasted yam with poached apple, and hearty options like beef stew and salmon entrées. For dessert, guests can enjoy treats such as carrot cake and chocolate hazelnut cake.

Seating & Reservations

Seating is available on a walk-in basis, and reservations are not accepted. The café accommodates both indoor dining and outdoor seating on the terrace, weather permitting.

FAQs

What are the de Young Museum’s opening hours?

de Young Museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30 AM to 5:15 PM. It is closed on Mondays. Free admission to the permanent collection is available from 4:30 PM to 5:15 PM, but special exhibitions still require a ticket.

How can I get to de Young Museum?

By Subway/Metro: The nearest Muni Metro station is 9th Ave & Irving, about a 15-minute walk from the museum. The N Judah line provides convenient access.

By Bus: Several Muni bus lines, including the 44 O’Shaughnessy, 5 Fulton, and 7 Haight/Noriega, stop right at the museum entrance.

By Car: On-site parking is available at $5 per hour, with free parking along MLK Jr. Dr (up to 4 hours). Nearby garages like the Music Concourse Garage offer additional parking.

By Bicycle: Bicycle racks are available near the museum entrance.

On Foot: The museum is centrally located within Golden Gate Park, making it an easy walk from many of the park’s other attractions.

How do I buy tickets?

We recommend purchasing tickets online in advance to skip the line, especially for special exhibitions.

How much time should I spend at de Young Museum?

We suggest allowing 2 to 3 hours to explore the museum’s galleries, exhibitions, and the Hamon Observation Tower.

Is there food available at the museum?

Yes, the de Young Museum has a café offering a variety of snacks, beverages, and light meals. You can enjoy your meal indoors or on the outdoor terrace overlooking the museum’s sculpture garden.

Are there parking facilities at the museum?

Yes, the museum offers on-site parking at a rate of $5 per hour. Free parking is available along MLK Jr. Dr for up to 4 hours. Additional parking options are available at nearby garages, such as the Music Concourse Garage.

Is de Young Museum accessible for visitors with disabilities?

Yes, the museum is fully wheelchair accessible, with free wheelchairs available at the admissions desk. There are also accessible restrooms and designated parking spaces.

Can I take photographs inside the museum?

Photography is allowed in most areas of the museum, but flash photography and tripods are not permitted. Please check specific exhibit guidelines for any additional restrictions.

What are the best times to visit?

For a quieter visit, we recommend coming on weekdays, especially in the morning. Weekends can be busier, particularly on Saturdays, so visiting early on Sundays is a good option to avoid crowds.

Are there any nearby attractions to visit?

Yes! de Young Museum is located in Golden Gate Park, where you can explore other attractions like the California Academy of Sciences, the Japanese Tea Garden, and more.