San Francisco’s vibrant museum scene is abuzz with exciting upcoming and ongoing exhibitions, providing a plethora of options for art and culture enthusiasts.
The Letterform Archive will unveil “Piet Zwart: Brand Architect” on November 8. This highly anticipated exhibit will explore the works of Dutch designer Piet Zwart, known for his impactful contributions to graphic design. Additionally, the archive will host an exhibition reception on Saturday, November 22. Visitors can also participate in a sign painting workshop from November 1 through November 9, available daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. An introductory tour to the archive is scheduled for November 7, making it accessible for first-time visitors. Meanwhile, the ongoing exhibition “Localization: 15 Years of LetterSeed” celebrates Korean typography, having opened in mid-August of this year.
Just a few days later, on November 14, the Walt Disney Family Museum will debut “Happiest Place on Earth: The Disneyland Story.” This exhibition promises to take visitors on a journey through the history and magic of Disneyland.
On November 15, SFMOMA will open “Kaws: Family,” featuring works by the renowned artist Kaws, while Alejandro Cartagena’s “Ground Rules” will follow shortly after on November 22, providing viewers with fresh perspectives through contemporary art.
In addition to these upcoming exhibitions, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) currently has the captivating show “(Re)Constructing History,” an exploration of the layers of history conveyed through seemingly fixed images. This exhibit includes the work of significant contemporary Black artists such as Carrie Mae Weems, Nona Faustine, and Dawoud Bey. In another part of the museum, visitors can experience the first retrospective of Suzanne Jackson with her exhibition, “What is Love,” showcasing 80 unique paintings and drawings.
For those interested in the intersections of local history and artist narratives, the exhibit “People Make This Place: SFAI Stories” will remain open until July 5, 2026. This exhibition features contributions from 50 alumni and former faculty connected to the San Francisco Art Institute, illustrating its vital role in the local art ecosystem. Further, “New Work: Sheila Hicks” depicts the artist transforming fiber into sculpture, showcasing her intricate craftsmanship.
The Legion of Honor Museum is currently displaying the enlightening exhibition “Manet and Morisot,” designed to allow museum-goers to appreciate the dialogue between the two notable French painters. Additionally, visitors can enjoy “Ferlinghetti for San Francisco,” a collection drawn from the museum’s prints, etchings, and lithographs, offering a glimpse into the legacy of poet and activist Lawrence Ferlinghetti. The availability of free admission on Saturdays for Bay Area residents and the first Tuesday of every month is a notable highlight, making art more accessible to the community.
Closing soon at SFMOMA is the exhibit “Yayoi Kusama: Aspiring to Pumpkin’s Love, the Love in My Heart,” which will end on November 2, presenting a unique chance to experience the artist’s whimsical universe.
The de Young Museum is bustling with activity as well, having recently opened “Art of Manga.” This exhibition highlights the influence and significance of manga as a visual language, along with extensive reviews and observations from various art critics. Rose B. Simpson’s exhibit “LEXICON” is also ongoing, celebrating her Native American heritage through innovative ceramic works while examining the past, present, and future.
Moreover, the Arts of Indigenous America galleries have debuted, showcasing a mix of permanent collections and new acquisitions alongside artists like Simpson. Not to be missed, Leilah Babirye’s solo show “We Have a History” runs through May 26, 2026, suggesting a powerful engagement with contemporary themes through her sculptural works.
At the Museum of the African Diaspora, the newly reopened exhibition “Unbound: Art, Blackness and the Universe,” which opened on October 1 and runs through August 16, 2026, invites visitors to reconsider the concept of Blackness as a multifaceted and expansive notion. The show features a range of artists such as Lorna Simpson and Didier William, aiming to broaden the dialogue around Black identity.
For those interested in the counterculture narrative of San Francisco, the Counterculture Museum, located at the intersection of Haight and Ashbury streets, provides a thorough exploration of the city’s historical alternative movements. Coupled with a visit to the Beat Museum across the street from City Lights, it presents a rich tapestry of the artistic and cultural heritage that defines this iconic neighborhood.
Another place to explore is 500 Capp St., where artist Catherine Wagner is in residence with her exhibit “Blue Reverie,” running through January 10, 2026. This exhibition engages with themes surrounding the philosophical and material significance of the color blue.
At the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, the exhibition “Bay Area Then” will be on display until January 25, 2026, featuring work from 21 artists from the 1990s and beyond, providing historical and contextual insights into the regional art scene.
The Tenderloin Museum is currently showcasing “The Return of Lord Frederick,” a solo exhibition that melds personal mythology with distinctive aesthetic handicrafts. This exhibition complements the museum’s mission to explore and preserve the local history of the neighborhood, including its rich LGBTQIA+ heritage through walking tours and events.
In addition, the California Academy of Sciences continues to offer unique experiences, such as the Behind-the-Screams Tour, engaging visitors with skeletons and bloodsuckers from their collection. The newly renovated Wilson Family Nature Lab opened in mid-October and provides hands-on learning activities for all ages. A Welcome Winter Night event featuring baby reindeer and magic shows is scheduled for November 22, bringing holiday cheer to families.
Overall, exhibition offerings are designed to engage diverse audiences across San Francisco’s museums, from contemporary art to historical retrospectives, ensuring there is truly something for everyone to experience. The community is encouraged to take advantage of free admission days and discounted ticketing options available at various locations.
As the Jewish Contemporary Museum braces for a year-long closure amidst financial restructuring, it serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing challenges facing cultural institutions.
Thus far, San Francisco proves to be a thriving hub of art and history pushing the boundaries of creative expression while inviting dialogue and reflection among its visitors.
image source from：missionlocal
