About SFMOMA
After Snøhetta's 2016 expansion tripled its space, SFMOMA became the largest contemporary art museum in the U.S., with seven floors and the Doris and Donald Fisher Collection.
Founded in 1935, SFMOMA has been welcoming visitors for over 91 years. Today it draws approximately 1,100,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most-visited modern & contemporary museums in the world. Located in San Francisco, United States, the museum holds a rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 13,000 traveller reviews, reflecting its enduring appeal to both first-time visitors and returning enthusiasts.
Why SFMOMA ranks #71
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 #71 in our composite ranking, SFMOMA 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: Architectural icon.
Must-see highlights
With a recommended visit time of 2–3 hours, planning your route through SFMOMA is essential. Here are the standout works and spaces that should be at the top of your list:
- ◆Living Wall (third-floor sculpture terrace)
- ◆Fisher Collection (Calder, Warhol, Richter)
- ◆Photography galleries
- ◆Architecture & Design
Recognition & awards
SFMOMA 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 2–3 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: SFMOMA is located in San Francisco, United States at coordinates 37.7857°N, -122.4011°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 SFMOMA
SFMOMA was established in 1935, 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 1,100,000 annual visitors, it plays a vital role in United States's cultural tourism economy and stands as one of the most important modern & contemporary museums in the Americas region.
Other top modern & contemporary museums
If you enjoy modern & contemporary museums like SFMOMA, you may also want to explore these highly-ranked institutions in the same category:
- #11Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)New York, United States
- #12Tate ModernLondon, United Kingdom
- #13Centre PompidouParis, France
- #25Solomon R. Guggenheim MuseumNew York, United States
- #26Guggenheim Museum BilbaoBilbao, Spain
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 SFMOMA with these nearby institutions:
- #70Asian Art Museum🖼️ Art & Encyclopedic
- #110Exploratorium🔬 Science & Industry
- #111California Academy of Sciences🦖 Natural History
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours of SFMOMA?
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 SFMOMA?
Most visitors recommend spending 2–3 hours for a comprehensive visit. If you are short on time, prioritise the must-see highlights listed above.
Where is SFMOMA located?
SFMOMA is located in San Francisco, United States. The exact coordinates are 37.7857°, -122.4011°. You can find directions via Google Maps.
What is SFMOMA known for?
Snøhetta's expanded modern art landmark. Key highlights include Living Wall (third-floor sculpture terrace), Fisher Collection (Calder, Warhol, Richter), Photography galleries. The museum holds a 4.6/5 rating from 13,000 reviews.
How many people visit SFMOMA each year?
SFMOMA receives approximately 1,100,000 visitors per year, making it one of the most-visited museums in United States.
When was SFMOMA founded?
SFMOMA was founded in 1935, making it 91 years old. It is categorised as a modern & contemporary museum in our directory.
