About Asian Art Museum
In the former Main Library on Civic Center, the Asian Art Museum holds one of the largest collections of Asian art in the western world.
Founded in 1966, Asian Art Museum has been welcoming visitors for over 60 years. Today it draws approximately 250,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most-visited art & encyclopedic museums in the world. Located in San Francisco, United States, the museum holds a rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 5,500 traveller reviews, reflecting its enduring appeal to both first-time visitors and returning enthusiasts.
Why Asian Art Museum ranks #70
Our editorial ranking blends data from TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards, AECOM/TEA annual attendance figures, and coverage in leading travel publications including Condé Nast Traveler, Time Out, National Geographic and The Times. At #70 in our composite ranking, Asian Art Museum represents the kind of institution that rewards a deliberate visit — less visited than the mega-museums, but no less rewarding in what it offers. Key recognitions include: TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice.
Must-see highlights
With a recommended visit time of 2 hours, planning your route through Asian Art Museum is essential. Here are the standout works and spaces that should be at the top of your list:
- ◆Avery Brundage Collection
- ◆Buddhist sculpture
- ◆Chinese ceramics
- ◆Persian miniatures
- ◆Indian sculpture
Recognition & awards
Asian Art Museum has received recognition from multiple authoritative sources in the museum and travel industry:
Planning your visit
Opening hours: Thu–Mon 10:00–17:00 (Thu until 20:00). Closed Tue–Wed.
How long to spend: Most visitors recommend setting aside 2 hours for a thorough visit. If you are short on time, focus on the highlights listed above and consider purchasing a skip-the-line ticket to maximise your time inside.
Getting there: Asian Art Museum is located in San Francisco, United States at coordinates 37.7796°N, -122.4163°E. View on Google Maps →
Visitor tips: The museum is manageable in a single visit, but arriving early helps you avoid peak crowds. Check the official website for any temporary closures, special exhibitions and advance booking requirements.
History of Asian Art Museum
Asian Art Museum was established in 1966, making it a relatively modern institution. Over the centuries, it has grown from its original collection to become a major cultural landmark in San Francisco. With 250,000 annual visitors, it plays a vital role in United States's cultural tourism economy and stands as one of the most important art & encyclopedic museums in the Americas region.
Other top art & encyclopedic museums
If you enjoy art & encyclopedic museums like Asian Art Museum, you may also want to explore these highly-ranked institutions in the same category:
- #1Musée du LouvreParis, France
- #2The Metropolitan Museum of ArtNew York, United States
- #3Vatican MuseumsVatican City, Vatican City
- #4British MuseumLondon, United Kingdom
- #5State Hermitage MuseumSaint Petersburg, Russia
More museums in San Francisco
San Francisco is home to 4 museums on our editorial ranking. If you are visiting the city, consider combining your trip to Asian Art Museum with these nearby institutions:
- #71SFMOMA🎨 Modern & Contemporary
- #110Exploratorium🔬 Science & Industry
- #111California Academy of Sciences🦖 Natural History
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours of Asian Art Museum?
Thu–Mon 10:00–17:00 (Thu until 20:00). Closed Tue–Wed. We recommend checking the official website before your visit as hours may change on public holidays or during special events.
How long should I spend at Asian Art Museum?
Most visitors recommend spending 2 hours for a comprehensive visit. If you are short on time, prioritise the must-see highlights listed above.
Where is Asian Art Museum located?
Asian Art Museum is located in San Francisco, United States. The exact coordinates are 37.7796°, -122.4163°. You can find directions via Google Maps.
What is Asian Art Museum known for?
18,000 works spanning 6,000 years. Key highlights include Avery Brundage Collection, Buddhist sculpture, Chinese ceramics. The museum holds a 4.6/5 rating from 5,500 reviews.
How many people visit Asian Art Museum each year?
Asian Art Museum receives approximately 250,000 visitors per year, making it one of the most-visited museums in United States.
When was Asian Art Museum founded?
Asian Art Museum was founded in 1966, making it 60 years old. It is categorised as a art & encyclopedic museum in our directory.
