This post provides information about the de Young Museum in San Francisco, including ticket prices, free days, discounts, and what you'll find in the museum.
OVERVIEW
Internationally acclaimed, the de Young Museum is the third most visited art museum in the United States.
It is one that every art, architecture, and culture lover should make a point of exploring.
Reopened in a newly designed building in 2005, the de Young dates back to 1895 and, in its own words, “has been an integral part of the cultural fabric of the city and a cherished destination for millions of residents and visitors to the region for over 100 years.”
This is one of the best 44 museums in San Francisco.
TICKETS
This section lists the different ticket options and add-ons available for the De Young Museum.
But there's no need to pay full price - take a look at the discounts section to find ways to get cheap tickets.
General Admission
- Adult: $15
- Senior 65+: $12
- Youth 0-17: FREE
- Click here to purchase tickets.
Special Exhibits (Add-On Charge)
- Adult: $25
- Senior 65+: $22
- Youth 6 - 17: $10
Audio Tour
- Audio Guide: $8
DEALS AND DISCOUNTS
This section lists the various discounts and deals that are available for the De Young Museum.
Tourist Attraction Discount Passes
If you're going to visit more than one museum or attraction in San Francisco, purchasing an attraction discount pass could help you save money and time on entrance fees.
Visitors who want to see it all in a short amount of time could get the best value out of an all-inclusive pass, which includes admission to dozens of popular attractions and activities over a specified amount of time.
Here are just a handful of the other notable locations you can visit at no extra cost using one of these services:
- Exploratorium
- Madame Tussauds
- Aquarium of the Bay
- Ripley's Believe it or Not
- Walt Disney Family Museum
- California Academy of Sciences
- San Francisco Zoo & Gardens
- San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
- And more!
The De Young Museum is currently featured on these San Francisco tourist passes:
- San Francisco Sightseeing Pass
- San Francisco Sightseeing FlexPass
- San Francisco Explorer Pass
- City Sightseeing Mega Pass
Bank of America Museums on Us
Visitors who have a Bank of America or Merrill Lynch card and matching identification will get one FREE admission ticket on the Sunday of the first full weekend every month.
This discount is available in person only, and subject to availability. You should plan to arrive early in the day.
Public Transportation Discount
Bring proof of purchase from any Bay Area transportation system such as BART, Muni, Caltrain, and others to receive $2 off your ticket prices. Available in person only.
Free Tuesdays for All
Every visitor will receive free general admission on the first Tuesday of each month. Full-priced admission to special exhibitions still applies.
Student Discount
If you are a current student, bring your valid student ID for $6 admission.
Discover & Go Public Library Program
The San Francisco Public Library System offers the Discover & Go program to cardholders.
Discount Sites
Make sure to check coupon sites like Groupon and LivingSocial for ticket deals.
EXHIBITS
The de Young Exterior
The exterior of the de Young was designed with the surrounding landscape in mind; warm copper hues, stone, wood, and glass reflect and balance the nature of Golden Gate Park around it.
The perforated copper walls are meant to make one feel as though they were looking through a tree canopy — a work of art in itself!
The de Young Tower
Be sure to visit the de Young’s 144-foot tower for a panorama view of the surrounding Sunset and Richmond Districts, with the sunny day possibility of seeing even more of San Francisco.
The de Young Sculpture Garden
Before or after you visit the museum, take a stroll outside of the museum.
Not only will this give you an opportunity to admire the building’s unique design and get an up-close view of the copper, but it will also provide you with an added art experience.
Through the various small gardens surrounding the museum, you’ll see sculptures both old and new, including some of the museum’s original sphinxes.
Permanent Collection at the de Young Museum
The de Young hosts one of the finest collections of American art, showcasing over 1,000 paintings dating from 1670 to today.
Along with paintings, the museum has over 800 sculptures, 3,000 decorative art objects, 13,000 textiles and costumes, and much much more.
Special Exhibits at the de Young
The special exhibits at the de Young Museum are ever-changing and always exquisite.
With past exhibits including Bulgari jewelry, Johannes Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring, Danny Lyon photography, Jean-Paul Gaultier’s haute couture fashion, Picasso, Van Gogh, Cézanne, and others.
RELATED POSTS:
- 44 Museums in San Francisco
- California Academy of Sciences
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- Tourist Attraction Discount Passes
