SFMOMA Ends Free First Thursdays (For Now)
Sadly, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art has confirmed that its Free First Thursday program is temporarily paused beginning February 2026. The museum says the program will be re-envisioned and relaunched at a future date, with updates to be shared once plans are finalized. As of January 15, no additional Free First Thursday dates are scheduled.
The change affects the long-running program that provided free general admission to Bay Area residents on the first Thursday of each month from 4 to 8 pm. Although the free admission program has been paused, SFMOMA will continue its late-night Thursday hours, with galleries open until 8 pm.
While the loss of Free First Thursdays will be felt, SFMOMA continues to offer several other free and low-cost access options throughout the year.
Always Free Public Spaces
SFMOMA maintains 45,000 square feet of gallery and public space that is always free to access. Visitors can explore large-scale installations, rotating works, and commissioned pieces throughout these open areas without needing a ticket.
Free Community Days
SFMOMA periodically hosts Free Community Days, which provide free museum-wide admission for all visitors. These days often include additional programming such as live performances, hands-on art activities, and community partnerships connected to current exhibitions. Dates are announced throughout the year. The last Free Community Day was during Pride in 2025; 2026 dates are TBA.
Free Family Days
The museum also offers Free Family Days geared toward families with children and teens. Admission is free for up to four adults when visiting with at least one child or teen age 18 or under. Programming typically includes artmaking in the Koret Education Center and family-focused activities throughout the museum.
One confirmed date has been announced for 2026:
Additional dates may be added later in the year.
Free Artmaking Every Sunday
SFMOMA has expanded its free artmaking opportunities for all ages. Visitors can participate in complimentary art projects every Sunday in the Koret Education Center. These programs are part of the museum’s ongoing slate of free offerings for families, schools, and educators.
Free Admission for Visitors 18 and Under
All visitors age 18 and under continue to receive free general admission every day, with no special program required.
Additional Free Entry Opportunities
SFMOMA continues to offer multiple access programs that provide free or reduced admission for eligible visitors.
SFUSD employees receive complimentary general admission with proof of employment. San Francisco residents with valid Medi-Cal, CalFresh, SNAP, or EBT cards can enter free through the Museums for All program, with eligibility for up to four adult tickets when proof of residency is provided. Library cardholders can access free passes through the Discover and Go program offered by select Bay Area libraries.
The museum also participates in the Blue Star Museums program, which provides free admission for active-duty military members and their families from Armed Forces Day through Labor Day. Outside of that period, active U.S. military members and veterans receive free admission for themselves and one guest with valid ID. Discounted memberships are available for seniors, young adults, and working artists, starting at $90 per year. Read more at SFMOMA’s deals and discounts page.
Member: Free
Adult: $30
Senior (65 years and older): $25
Students (full time, with ID): $23
Age 18 and younger: Free
*Ticket pricing valid as of January 15, 2026
Free First Thursdays are paused for now, but SFMOMA still offers multiple paths to visit without paying full admission. Between free public gallery spaces, free entry for youth, Free Community Days, Free Family Days, Sunday artmaking, and access programs, visitors can still experience the museum regularly on a budget.
Looking for more free cultural options? You can also browse our ongoing Free Museum Day Guide for Bay Area museums offering free admission days and year-round free entry.
Read more at SFMOMA.
