Asian Art Museum: Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month (Free Admission)

Through the power of art, the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco brings the diverse cultures of Asia to life.

Located in the heart of San Francisco, the museum is home to one of the world’s finest collections of Asian art, boasting more than 18,000 awe-inspiring artworks ranging from ancient jades and ceramics to contemporary video installations.

Free First Sundays
Typically the first Sunday of the month (dates might be moved due to holidays)
10a to 5p
Asian Art Museum, 200 Larkin Street, SF
FREE admission (first come first served), Tickets to special exhibitions are offered at a discounted price of $10

RSVP + Tickets Required 
– Find future dates on this calendar
– please note that links generally will be live about a month in advance

Free Day Details

• Free First Sunday Admission for main galleries: Normally $20 for general admission, the museum offers free general admission every first Sunday the month on “Free First Sundays“.
• Sunday Hours: Sunday admission hours are typically 10a to 5p – but please check the Asian’s Plan your Visit page for any updates.
• Free Street Parking – Yup! Like much of SF, the meters around the Asian Art Museum don’t charge on Sundays. Always double check with your meter just in case.
• Very rarely, the museum might switch the dates of the “Free First Sunday” because Sunday falls on a holiday like Christmas or New Year’s Day. So please always check asianart.org first before heading out.

Special Storytelling Events

On most Free First Sundays, the museum hosts Family Storytelling where myths and tales from Asia come alive with storytelling in the galleries. Typically there is a special event for ages 3-6 at 11a to 11:30a and then an all ages storytelling event from 1p to 1:45p

Museum Hours (Subject to change)

• Thu: 10a – 5p*
• Fri–Mon: 10a–5p
• Tue & Wed: Closed

Check the schedule for the latest updates.

*Late Thursday hours (typically 1-8 PM) resume in January 2025

• The Asian Art Museum is closed on Jan. 1, Thanksgiving Day, and Dec. 25.
• The museum store, the Cha May Ching Museum Boutique, is open during regular museum hours and does not require paid admission.
• The restaurant, Asian Box, is open during regular museum hours and does not require paid admission. On Thursdays Asian Box opens at 12 PM, an hour before our galleries open. 

Special Exhibitions for 2025

Hallyu! The Koren Wave (through January 6, 2025)
Discover why the world can’t get enough K-pop, Korean dramas, and kimbap.

Qi Baishi: Inspiration in Ink (through April 7, 2025)
An intimate look at a modern master whose work revitalized traditional Chinese ink painting.

Through rich art experiences, centered on historic and contemporary artworks, the Asian Art Museum unlocks the past for visitors, bringing it to life while serving as a catalyst for new art, new creativity and new thinking. Expect to see a collection of impressive artworks from China, Japan, Thailand, Korea, India and throughout Asia.