San Francisco’s vibrant art scene is thriving, with several exhibitions currently on display as well as exciting shows set to open soon.
At the Museum of Craft and Design, “Buttons On!” marks the first-ever retrospective for artist Beau McCall, which is scheduled to open on May 11.
However, art enthusiasts should be aware that some noteworthy exhibitions are closing their doors soon.
“Rug Life,” showcasing 14 contemporary artists addressing cultural issues through the medium of rugs, will be on view until April 20 at the Museum of Craft and Design.
Additionally, “Spirit Gleaning,” a site-specific work by Bay Area-based, Iranian-born artist Minoosh Zomorodinia, will conclude its run on April 19.
The Legion of Honor will wrap up its exhibition “Dress Rehearsal: The Art of Theatrical Design” on May 11.
The art gallery scene is buzzing, with Voss Gallery on the corner of 24th and Bartlett streets featuring local work.
Ashley Voss has developed a local gallery guide, which she updates weekly on social media and her gallery’s website.
Turning our attention to museums, the Asian Art Museum is currently showcasing “Yuan Goang-Ming: Everyday War.”
This exhibition features works from the Taiwanese video artist’s representation at the 60th Venice Biennale and marks his first North American solo show.
Recognized by The Art Newspaper as a must-see exhibition at the 2024 Biennale, this exhibit is curated by Abby Chen, who will engage in a conversation with Yuan Goang-Ming tonight during the opening.
The museum also hosts “Take Out Tuesdays,” an online discussion series over a piece of art led by docents and art lovers.
Furthermore, general admission is free on the first Sunday of every month, with special exhibitions offered at a discounted rate.
The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) currently has “Ruth Asawa: Retrospective,” which Mission Local contributor Teresa Moore lauds as astonishing.
Highlighting over 300 works, this exhibit chronicles Asawa’s life from her student years at Black Mountain College to her family life in Noe Valley.
Upcoming events include a talk titled “Imprints: Asawa and Friends” on April 27, 2025, at 2 p.m., requiring RSVP.
On May 1, 2025, from 4 to 8 p.m., a Free First Thursday event will occur, focusing on community art creation influenced by Asawa’s legacy, featuring a performance by Nobuko Miyamoto.
SFMOMA is also exhibiting photography from Group f.64, a collective committed to authentic photography, as well as Kara Walker’s “Fortuna and the Immortality Garden (Machine),” which addresses power dynamics and race issues.
“Table Manners,” an exhibit exploring dining experiences through nearly 100-year-old tableware, flatware, and drinkware, is also ongoing.
Moreover, the 2024 SECA Art Award exhibition highlights local artists Rose D’Amato, Angela Hennessy, and Rupy C. Tut.
Admission for Bay Area residents is free on the first Thursday of every month, but reserving a ticket in advance is recommended.
At the de Young Museum, attendees can experience “Isaac Julien: I Dream a World,” receiving praise as a thrilling exhibition showcasing major video installations exploring themes of migration and African artist representation.
Paul McCartney’s photographic exhibition, featuring works from 1963-1964, capturing the Beatles’ early journey, will remain on display until July 6, 2025.
Henri Matisse’s “Jazz Unbound,” celebrating the museum’s acquisition of Matisse’s artist book “Jazz,” includes 20 color stencil prints and can be seen until July 6, 2025.
Moving on to the Legion of Honor, “Wayne Thiebaud: Art Comes from Art” encompasses around 60 pieces from the artist’s extensive career, reflecting his engagement with art history and will be open until August 17, 2025.
In celebration of the museum’s centennial, “Dress Rehearsal: The Art of Theatrical Design” will run until May 11, 2025.
To find out more about the Legion of Honor’s exhibitions, visit their website as well.
Admission is free for Bay Area residents every Saturday and on the first Tuesday of each month for all visitors.
At the California Academy of Sciences, it is currently “Dino Days,” featuring 13 life-size animatronic dinosaurs.
This Friday, the museum will open “Unseen Oceans,” a traveling exhibition that allows visitors to engage with a digital interactive game simulating a submersible.
The Steinhart Aquarium also features the “Venom: Fangs, Stingers, and Spines” exhibit, celebrating the aquarium’s 100th anniversary.
Visitors can immerse themselves in stunning visuals at the Morrison Planetarium and marvel at the Osher Rainforest, housing over 1,600 live plants and animals.
Planning is essential, so check the admission and ticketing page for more information on free and reduced-rate visits.
The Tenderloin Museum will soon present “Lady Harriet Sebastian: The Bridgemen” on April 3.
This exhibition features a single painting by Sebastian, a resident artist in Tenderloin for 25 years.
The museum’s planned expansion from 3,000 square feet to 10,000 square feet will include a room dedicated to the history of San Francisco’s neon signs.
Currently, the Tenderloin Museum preserves trans history and culture, alongside its permanent collection that explores the neighborhood’s past.
There are also walking tours focusing on various aspects of the area’s LGBTQIA+ history.
The Walt Disney Family Museum is displaying rare objects from the book “Walt Disney Treasures: Personal Art and Artifacts from The Walt Disney Family Museum,” with changing exhibits every two months.
The Exploratorium hosts “After Dark” events every Thursday evening, offering access to over 700 interactive exhibits for adults aged 18 and older.
These themed evenings provide a carefree environment to explore various artworks and exhibits.
At the Museum of Craft and Design, “Rug Life” continues showcasing contemporary artists until April 20.
The Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts is running the annual group show “Solo Mujeres,” which is currently on view.
Meanwhile, the David Ireland House welcomes “Spirit Gleaning,” a site-specific exhibition by artist Minoosh Zomorodinia that concludes on April 19.
This exhibition incorporates smartphone-enabled augmented reality and draws upon Zomorodinia’s engagement with the David Ireland House and its surroundings over two years.
The closing reception for “Spirit Gleaning” will be held on April 19, 2025, from 12 to 6 p.m.
At the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, Nicky Nodjoumi and Nahid Hagigat collaborate to highlight a family of artists and their ongoing struggle for freedom.
Their exhibition, alongside the HBO documentary “A Revolution on Canvas” directed by their daughter, Sara Nodjoumi, explores a significant international controversy surrounding missing artworks in Tehran.
Entry to YBCA Galleries is free on Wednesdays and the second Sunday of each month.
Unfortunately, the Museum of the African Diaspora will be closed until September.
Additionally, the Jewish Contemporary Museum has been closed since December and will remain so for at least a year as it navigates financial issues.
This situation reflects ongoing challenges faced by museums, emphasizing the importance of supporting these cultural institutions.
In conclusion, San Francisco’s art scene is brimming with diverse exhibitions and events that cater to a wide range of interests, making it an exciting time for art enthusiasts.
image source from：https://missionlocal.org/2025/04/whats-on-now-at-san-francisco-museums-april-16-to-april-23/
