San Francisco’s vibrant art scene is bustling this summer with a variety of exhibitions, some of which are closing soon, making it the perfect time for art enthusiasts to plan a visit.
At the Asian Art Museum, the exhibition “Yuan Goang-Ming: Everyday War” is set to close on August 4. This exhibit features a compelling collection that combines visuals and soundscapes, revealing the artist’s exploration of contemporary anxieties alongside glimpses of hope and beauty.
The Legion of Honor is also hosting some noteworthy exhibitions. “Wayne Thiebaud: Art Comes from Art” will close on August 17. This exhibition highlights around 60 pieces from Thiebaud’s six-decade career, showcasing his deep engagement with art history and the influences of notable artists like Edouard Manet and Richard Diebenkorn.
In addition to these closing exhibitions, visitors can take advantage of the museum’s Free Saturday campaign, offering free admission for Bay Area residents.
The local gallery scene continues to thrive, with Ashley Voss at Voss Gallery developing a weekly updated local gallery guide, accessible through their Instagram account and website. Frankie Solinsky Duryea’s visit to Incline Gallery highlighted the muralist Max Marttila’s show, while nearby at the Hosfelt Gallery, the exhibition “Drawn on Drawing” showcases exceptional works from various artists.
Museum-goers are encouraged to explore more museums in the city, including the Counter Culture Museum, located at the corner of Haight and Ashbury streets, which provides a rich history of San Francisco. Spending a few days visiting the Counter Culture Museum, the Beat Museum, and the “Ferlinghetti for San Francisco” show at the Legion of Honor could create a fascinating journey through the cultural heritage of the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s.
The Beat Museum, located at 540 Broadway, offers a deep dive into the legacy of the Beats. It is dedicated to sharing their work with new audiences and serves as a resource for understanding different perspectives.
The “Ferlinghetti for San Francisco” exhibition opened on July 19 and runs through March 22, 2026. This show draws from the museum’s collection of prints, etchings, and lithographs, shedding light on the life of poet, artist, and activist Lawrence Ferlinghetti, who passed away in 2021.
Scheduled exhibitions at the Legion of Honor also include “Printing Color: Chiaroscuro to Screenprint,” tracing the evolution of printmaking from the 18th Century to contemporary artistic practices.
Additionally, SFMOMA boasts several captivating exhibits. “People Make This Place: SFAI Stories” focuses on the contributions of the San Francisco Art Institute and will run through July 5, 2026, featuring a diverse collection of works from alumni and faculty.
In the same institution, “Kunié Sugiura: Photopainting” is on view, capturing the experimental nature of photography through Sugiura’s unique approach. The museum also features the “Ruth Asawa: Retrospective,” showcasing over 300 works that span her artistic career, emphasizing the intertwining of her life experiences and artistic expression.
As for Kara Walker’s “Fortuna and the Immortality Garden (Machine),” the installation aims to tackle significant themes surrounding power dynamics and the exploitation of race and sexuality, promising an ambitious yet intimate experience for viewers.
At the de Young Museum, Paul McCartney’s photographic retrospective, extending until October 5, offers a glimpse into the early days of The Beatles, capturing moments around their rise to fame.
500 Capp St. is showcasing “Jes Young: Return,” though details about the artist can be elusive. Despite the mystery surrounding her, 500 Capp St. itself, the former residence of David Ireland, remains a quirky site filled with preserved artworks and humor.
Another interesting exhibition includes “Still Burning,” which celebrates the 50th anniversary of Ant Farm’s Media Burn, a radical performance art piece where a Cadillac Eldorado was driven into a pyramid of burning television sets.
At Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, “Bay Area Then” opens on August 1 and will run through January 25, 2026, featuring works by 21 artists from the 1990s up to the present, providing insights into the local artistic scene.
The Asian Art Museum is also holding diverse offerings beyond the closing exhibitions. A program titled “Take Out Tuesdays” allows visitors to engage with art through online discussions, alongside ongoing exhibitions like “Beautiful, Bountiful, Boisterous Birds” and “Shinoda Toko: Abstract Calligraphy.”
At the Institute for Contemporary Art, visitors can check out “Midnight March” by Masako Miki and “stay, take your time, my love” by David Antonio Cruz, which explores queer histories in San Francisco.
The Museum of Craft and Design is marking notable exhibitions, including the retrospective “Buttons On” by Beau McCall, exploring art created with buttons over a 40-year career, alongside “A Roadmap to Stardust,” an inquiry into space exploration.
The Letterform Archive, a newer addition to the city’s artistic hub, is celebrating its decade-long journey with a special exhibit featuring 100 typographic design objects, running until October 12, 2025.
Additionally, the Chinese Historical Society of America offers thought-provoking exhibits like “Challenging a White-Washed History: Chinese Laundries in the U.S,” alongside displays that highlight the legacy of Bruce Lee and miniaturization of Chinatown memories.
At the California Academy of Sciences, “Dino Days” invites families to experience life-size animatronic dinosaurs, while “Unseen Oceans” offers a unique digital interactive game about underwater exploration.
The Tenderloin Museum currently exhibits “Lady Harriet Sebastian: The Bridgemen,” alongside a permanent collection dedicated to the rich history of the Tenderloin neighborhood.
This museum is also planning a significant expansion to showcase the area’s neon history, along with various upcoming events and tours focused on LGBTQIA+ history.
The Walt Disney Family Museum continues to show artifacts from its collection, featuring works that will change every couple of months.
Every Thursday evening, the Exploratorium invites adults to enjoy a special After Dark event filled with interactive exhibits in a carefree atmosphere.
For visitors looking to soak in Latino arts and culture, the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts offers rotating exhibitions and programs.
While the Museum of the African Diaspora is currently closed until September, the Jewish Contemporary Museum remains closed indefinitely as it navigates through financial challenges.
With so much happening across San Francisco’s art and cultural landscape, now is the perfect time to explore these exhibitions, especially those that are closing soon.
image source from：missionlocal
