Home » City Guide »

17 Free June Museum Days

Get some culture, save dough at Academy of Sciences, de Young and more.
By - posted 6/2/2015 No Comment

Monday, November 18

Japanese Tea Garden’s Free Admission Hour (Golden Gate Park)
Japanese Tea Garden's Free Admission Hour (Golden Gate Park)

The Japanese Tea Garden provides visitors from around the world with an opportunity to experience the natural beauty, tranquility, and harmony of a Japanese-style garden in the heart of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Originally created as a “Japanese Village” exhibit for the 1894 California ...Every Monday

Wednesday, November 20

Japanese Tea Garden’s Free Admission Hour (Golden Gate Park)
Japanese Tea Garden's Free Admission Hour (Golden Gate Park)

The Japanese Tea Garden provides visitors from around the world with an opportunity to experience the natural beauty, tranquility, and harmony of a Japanese-style garden in the heart of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Originally created as a “Japanese Village” exhibit for the 1894 California ...Every Wednesday

“Pay What You Can” Wednesday at SF’s Museum of Craft and Design
Wednesday, November 20 – 10:00 am - Ends at 5:00 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Pay What You Can. Visitors are welcome to pay what they can every Wednesday
| Museum of Craft and Design
"Pay What You Can" Wednesday at SF's Museum of Craft and Design

There’s no better time to visit the Museum of Craft and Design than on Pay What You Can Wednesday. MCD’s Pay What You Can Wednesday initiative strives to keep art accessible to all by giving visitors the opportunity to experience the latest exhibitions for whatever ...Every Wednesday

Free Admission Day at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA)
Wednesday, November 20 – 11:00 am - Ends at 5:00 pm | Cost: FREE | Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
Free Admission Day at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA)

Opened to the public in 1993, YBCA was founded as the cultural anchor of San Francisco’s Yerba Buena Gardens neighborhood. Our work spans the realms of contemporary art, performance, film, civic engagement, and public life. Centering artists as essential to social and cultural movement, YBCA ...Every Wednesday

Friday, November 22

Japanese Tea Garden’s Free Admission Hour (Golden Gate Park)
Japanese Tea Garden's Free Admission Hour (Golden Gate Park)

The Japanese Tea Garden provides visitors from around the world with an opportunity to experience the natural beauty, tranquility, and harmony of a Japanese-style garden in the heart of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Originally created as a “Japanese Village” exhibit for the 1894 California ...Every Friday

Saturday, November 23

Free de Young Museum Day for Bay Area Residents (Every Saturday)
Free de Young Museum Day for Bay Area Residents (Every Saturday)

, the de Young offers free general admission to the permanent galleries to Bay Area residents. Please note that admission to any special exhibits is not included nor discounted and will require the full admission price. Saturdays feature engaging art experiences for the entire family, ...Every Saturday

Free “Legion of Honor” Museum Day for Bay Area Residents (Every Saturday)
Free "Legion of Honor" Museum Day for Bay Area Residents (Every Saturday)

 the Legion of Honor offers free general admission to the permanent galleries to Bay Area residents. Advanced tickets are required, and capacity is limited due to COVID-19 precautions. Please note that admission to any special exhibits is not included nor discounted and will require ...Every Saturday

Sunday, November 24

Free Sunday at SF’s Contemporary Jewish Museum (Closing for 1+ Year on Dec. 15)
Sunday, November 24 – 11:00 am - Ends at 5:00 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Book free tickets at thecjm.org
| Contemporary Jewish Museum
Free Sunday at SF's Contemporary Jewish Museum (Closing for 1+ Year on Dec. 15)

The Contemporary Jewish Museum (CJM) in San Francisco has, unfortunately, announced it will temporarily close its galleries for at least one year, beginning December 16, 2024, due to financial challenges. The good news (if there is any, here) is that in order to give the ...

Monday, November 25

Japanese Tea Garden’s Free Admission Hour (Golden Gate Park)
Japanese Tea Garden's Free Admission Hour (Golden Gate Park)

The Japanese Tea Garden provides visitors from around the world with an opportunity to experience the natural beauty, tranquility, and harmony of a Japanese-style garden in the heart of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Originally created as a “Japanese Village” exhibit for the 1894 California ...Every Monday

Wednesday, November 27

Japanese Tea Garden’s Free Admission Hour (Golden Gate Park)
Japanese Tea Garden's Free Admission Hour (Golden Gate Park)

The Japanese Tea Garden provides visitors from around the world with an opportunity to experience the natural beauty, tranquility, and harmony of a Japanese-style garden in the heart of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Originally created as a “Japanese Village” exhibit for the 1894 California ...Every Wednesday

“Pay What You Can” Wednesday at SF’s Museum of Craft and Design
Wednesday, November 27 – 10:00 am - Ends at 5:00 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Pay What You Can. Visitors are welcome to pay what they can every Wednesday
| Museum of Craft and Design
"Pay What You Can" Wednesday at SF's Museum of Craft and Design

There’s no better time to visit the Museum of Craft and Design than on Pay What You Can Wednesday. MCD’s Pay What You Can Wednesday initiative strives to keep art accessible to all by giving visitors the opportunity to experience the latest exhibitions for whatever ...Every Wednesday

Free Admission Day at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA)
Wednesday, November 27 – 11:00 am - Ends at 5:00 pm | Cost: FREE | Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
Free Admission Day at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA)

Opened to the public in 1993, YBCA was founded as the cultural anchor of San Francisco’s Yerba Buena Gardens neighborhood. Our work spans the realms of contemporary art, performance, film, civic engagement, and public life. Centering artists as essential to social and cultural movement, YBCA ...Every Wednesday

Friday, November 29

Japanese Tea Garden’s Free Admission Hour (Golden Gate Park)
Japanese Tea Garden's Free Admission Hour (Golden Gate Park)

The Japanese Tea Garden provides visitors from around the world with an opportunity to experience the natural beauty, tranquility, and harmony of a Japanese-style garden in the heart of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Originally created as a “Japanese Village” exhibit for the 1894 California ...Every Friday

Free Museum Days at SF’s Contemporary Jewish Museum: Thanksgiving Weekend 2024 (Nov. 29-Dec. 1)
Friday, November 29 – 11:00 am - Ends at 5:00 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Book free tickets at thecjm.org
| Contemporary Jewish Museum
Free Museum Days at SF's Contemporary Jewish Museum: Thanksgiving Weekend 2024 (Nov. 29-Dec. 1)

The Contemporary Jewish Museum (CJM) in San Francisco has, unfortunately, announced it will temporarily close its galleries for at least one year, beginning December 16, 2024, due to financial challenges. The good news (if there is any, here) is that in order to give the ...

Saturday, November 30

Free “Legion of Honor” Museum Day for Bay Area Residents (Every Saturday)
Free "Legion of Honor" Museum Day for Bay Area Residents (Every Saturday)

 the Legion of Honor offers free general admission to the permanent galleries to Bay Area residents. Advanced tickets are required, and capacity is limited due to COVID-19 precautions. Please note that admission to any special exhibits is not included nor discounted and will require ...Every Saturday

Free de Young Museum Day for Bay Area Residents (Every Saturday)
Free de Young Museum Day for Bay Area Residents (Every Saturday)

, the de Young offers free general admission to the permanent galleries to Bay Area residents. Please note that admission to any special exhibits is not included nor discounted and will require the full admission price. Saturdays feature engaging art experiences for the entire family, ...Every Saturday

Sunday, December 1

Asian Art Museum: Free Admission Day (Every First Sunday)
Sunday, December 1 – 10:00 am - Ends at 5:00 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Special exhibitions may require separate admission surcharge
| Asian Art Museum
Asian Art Museum: Free Admission Day (Every First Sunday)

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 ...Monthly

Monday, December 2

Japanese Tea Garden’s Free Admission Hour (Golden Gate Park)
Japanese Tea Garden's Free Admission Hour (Golden Gate Park)

The Japanese Tea Garden provides visitors from around the world with an opportunity to experience the natural beauty, tranquility, and harmony of a Japanese-style garden in the heart of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Originally created as a “Japanese Village” exhibit for the 1894 California ...Every Monday

Tuesday, December 3

“Legion of Honor” Museum Free Day (First Tuesdays)
Tuesday, December 3 – 9:30 am - Ends at 5:15 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Free admission to general galleries; special exhibition fees still apply. Advanced timed tickets required.
| Legion of Honor
"Legion of Honor" Museum Free Day (First Tuesdays)

The Legion of Honor displays a collection of 4,000 years of ancient and European art in an exquisite Beaux-Arts building in an unforgettable setting overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge. Normally general admission is $20 for adults, but on the first Tuesday of each month admission ...Monthly

de Young Museum Free Day (First Tuesdays)
Tuesday, December 3 – 9:30 am - Ends at 5:15 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Free admission to general galleries; special exhibition fees still apply. Timed tickets required
| de Young Museum
de Young Museum Free Day (First Tuesdays)

Located in beautiful Golden Gate Park, the de Young Museum is a landmark art museum founded in 1895. Your visit includes a whirlwind trip around the world as the museum’s collections feature priceless treasures and works of arts from the 17th through the 20th centuries ...Monthly

SF’s “Conservatory of Flowers” Free First Tuesdays (Golden Gate Park)
Tuesday, December 3 – 10:00 am - Ends at 4:30 pm | Cost: FREE | Conservatory of Flowers
SF's "Conservatory of Flowers" Free First Tuesdays (Golden Gate Park)

Whether you’re a native San Franciscan, a visitor from the other side of the world, or a budding botanist, the Conservatory of Flowers, located in Golden Gate Park, offers an intimate, up-close experience with nearly 2,000 species of rare, exotic, and endangered plants from more ...Monthly

SF’s Cartoon Art Museum’s “Pay What You Wish” Day (First Tuesdays)
Tuesday, December 3 – 11:00 am - Ends at 5:00 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Pay What You Wish Day
| Cartoon Art Museum
SF's Cartoon Art Museum's "Pay What You Wish" Day (First Tuesdays)

Founded in 1984, the Cartoon Art Museum has something for everyone—from comic strips, comic books and anime to political cartoons, graphic novels and underground comix. People of all ages can view original cartoon art at exhibitions and screenings, produce their own comics and animation at ...Monthly

Wednesday, December 4

Japanese Tea Garden’s Free Admission Hour (Golden Gate Park)
Japanese Tea Garden's Free Admission Hour (Golden Gate Park)

The Japanese Tea Garden provides visitors from around the world with an opportunity to experience the natural beauty, tranquility, and harmony of a Japanese-style garden in the heart of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Originally created as a “Japanese Village” exhibit for the 1894 California ...Every Wednesday

“Pay What You Can” Wednesday at SF’s Museum of Craft and Design
Wednesday, December 4 – 10:00 am - Ends at 5:00 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Pay What You Can. Visitors are welcome to pay what they can every Wednesday
| Museum of Craft and Design
"Pay What You Can" Wednesday at SF's Museum of Craft and Design

There’s no better time to visit the Museum of Craft and Design than on Pay What You Can Wednesday. MCD’s Pay What You Can Wednesday initiative strives to keep art accessible to all by giving visitors the opportunity to experience the latest exhibitions for whatever ...Every Wednesday

Free Admission Day at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA)
Wednesday, December 4 – 11:00 am - Ends at 5:00 pm | Cost: FREE | Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
Free Admission Day at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA)

Opened to the public in 1993, YBCA was founded as the cultural anchor of San Francisco’s Yerba Buena Gardens neighborhood. Our work spans the realms of contemporary art, performance, film, civic engagement, and public life. Centering artists as essential to social and cultural movement, YBCA ...Every Wednesday

SF’s GLBT History Museum: Free First Wednesday
SF's GLBT History Museum: Free First Wednesday

Located in SF’s Castro District, the GLBT Historical Society Museum is the first full-scale, stand-alone museum of its kind in the United States. The museum celebrates 100 years of the city’s vast queer past through dynamic exhibitions and programming. Normally admission is $10, but on ...Monthly

Thursday, December 5

Free Day: Final Two Weeks of SF’s Contemporary Jewish Museum (Closing for 1+ Year on Dec. 15)
Thursday, December 5 – 11:00 am - Ends at 5:00 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Book free tickets at thecjm.org
| Contemporary Jewish Museum
Free Day: Final Two Weeks of SF's Contemporary Jewish Museum (Closing for 1+ Year on Dec. 15)

The Contemporary Jewish Museum (CJM) in San Francisco has, unfortunately, announced it will temporarily close its galleries for at least one year, beginning December 16, 2024, due to financial challenges. The good news (if there is any, here) is that in order to give the ...

Free First Thursdays at Berkeley Art Museum
Thursday, December 5 – 11:00 am - Ends at 7:00 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Free admission to galleries. Film programs are excluded. No advanced tickets required, but subject to capacity limits
| Berkeley Art Museum / Pacific Film Archive
Free First Thursdays at Berkeley Art Museum

The UC Berkeley Art Museum is the visual arts center of the University of California, Berkeley. Through art and film programs, collections, and research resources, the University aspires to be locally connected and globally relevant, engaging audiences from the campus, community, and beyond. Normally $14, the ...Monthly

SFMOMA’s “Free First Thursdays” Free Museum Day for Locals (2024)
SFMOMA's "Free First Thursdays" Free Museum Day for Locals (2024)

All residents of the nine Bay Area counties are invited to spend a day at the museum on us! From noon–8 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month, Bay Area residents can enjoy SFMOMA’s galleries filled with lively and inspiring art and related events ...Monthly

Friday, December 6

Japanese Tea Garden’s Free Admission Hour (Golden Gate Park)
Japanese Tea Garden's Free Admission Hour (Golden Gate Park)

The Japanese Tea Garden provides visitors from around the world with an opportunity to experience the natural beauty, tranquility, and harmony of a Japanese-style garden in the heart of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Originally created as a “Japanese Village” exhibit for the 1894 California ...Every Friday

Free Admission Day at Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Friday, December 6 – All Day | Cost: FREE | Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Free Admission Day at Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

Connect with nature at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, a place for learning, explorationand building community located in a beautiful building right on the beach in Santa Cruz. Permanent exhibits include wildlife and habitat displays, artifacts and cultural exhibits of the Ohlone, a ...Monthly

History Museum: Free First Fridays (Redwood City)
Friday, December 6 – All Day | Cost: FREE | San Mateo County History Museum
History Museum: Free First Fridays (Redwood City)

Enjoy free admission from 10 am to 4 pm, every first Friday of the month, at the San Mateo History Museum. Explore the museum housed in the 1910 County Courthouse; listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it features a stained glass dome and mosaic tile floor. The History Museum is ...Monthly

Contemporary Jewish Museum Free Admission Day (First Fridays)
Friday, December 6 – 11:00 am - Ends at 5:00 pm | Cost: FREE | Contemporary Jewish Museum
Contemporary Jewish Museum Free Admission Day (First Fridays)

The Contemporary Jewish Museum engages audiences of all  backgrounds through dynamic exhibitions and programs that explore contemporary perspectives on Jewish culture, history, art, and ideas. And the architecture of the Museum itself is a work of art. CLOSURE UPDATE: The Contemporary Jewish Museum has closed ...

“Oakland Art Murmur” 2024 (First Fridays Art Walk)
Friday, December 6 – 6:00 pm - Ends at 9:00 pm | Cost: FREE | Broadway/Telegraph
"Oakland Art Murmur" 2024 (First Fridays Art Walk)

Over 30 Oakland Art Murmur affiliate venues have coordinated openings on the first Friday of every month. Oakland Art Murmur presents a free monthly evening art walk, known as the ‘Art Murmur.” 2024 Update: Art Murmur is still on! Despite Oakland First Fridays being on ...Monthly

Saturday, December 7

Free de Young Museum Day for Bay Area Residents (Every Saturday)
Free de Young Museum Day for Bay Area Residents (Every Saturday)

, the de Young offers free general admission to the permanent galleries to Bay Area residents. Please note that admission to any special exhibits is not included nor discounted and will require the full admission price. Saturdays feature engaging art experiences for the entire family, ...Every Saturday

Free “Legion of Honor” Museum Day for Bay Area Residents (Every Saturday)
Free "Legion of Honor" Museum Day for Bay Area Residents (Every Saturday)

 the Legion of Honor offers free general admission to the permanent galleries to Bay Area residents. Advanced tickets are required, and capacity is limited due to COVID-19 precautions. Please note that admission to any special exhibits is not included nor discounted and will require ...Every Saturday

Bank of America’s “Museums On Us” Free Museum Weekend (2024)
Bank of America's "Museums On Us" Free Museum Weekend (2024)

Holders of Bank of America, Merrill Lynch, or U. S. Trust cardholders (credit cards and debit cards) get free admission to eight Bay Area museums, two Sacramento museums and to more than 225 cultural institutions nationwide, for the first full weekend each month including the de ...Monthly

Sunday, December 8

SFMOMA’s “Free Family Day” Free Museum Day (SF)
Sunday, December 8 – 10:00 am - Ends at 5:00 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Free for up to four adults accompanying each visitor 18 and younger.
| SFMOMA
SFMOMA's "Free Family Day" Free Museum Day (SF)
The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) welcomes families and inter-generational audiences to the museum for its Free Family Day on December 8, 2024. While the museum is always free for visitors 18 and younger, on Free Family Day, it is also free for up to ...
Free Admission Day at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA)
Sunday, December 8 – 11:00 am - Ends at 5:00 pm | Cost: FREE | Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
Free Admission Day at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA)

Opened to the public in 1993, YBCA was founded as the cultural anchor of San Francisco’s Yerba Buena Gardens neighborhood. Our work spans the realms of contemporary art, performance, film, civic engagement, and public life. Centering artists as essential to social and cultural movement, YBCA ...Monthly

Monday, December 9

Japanese Tea Garden’s Free Admission Hour (Golden Gate Park)
Japanese Tea Garden's Free Admission Hour (Golden Gate Park)

The Japanese Tea Garden provides visitors from around the world with an opportunity to experience the natural beauty, tranquility, and harmony of a Japanese-style garden in the heart of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Originally created as a “Japanese Village” exhibit for the 1894 California ...Every Monday

Wednesday, December 11

Japanese Tea Garden’s Free Admission Hour (Golden Gate Park)
Japanese Tea Garden's Free Admission Hour (Golden Gate Park)

The Japanese Tea Garden provides visitors from around the world with an opportunity to experience the natural beauty, tranquility, and harmony of a Japanese-style garden in the heart of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Originally created as a “Japanese Village” exhibit for the 1894 California ...Every Wednesday

Free Admission Day at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA)
Wednesday, December 11 – 11:00 am - Ends at 5:00 pm | Cost: FREE | Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
Free Admission Day at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA)

Opened to the public in 1993, YBCA was founded as the cultural anchor of San Francisco’s Yerba Buena Gardens neighborhood. Our work spans the realms of contemporary art, performance, film, civic engagement, and public life. Centering artists as essential to social and cultural movement, YBCA ...Every Wednesday

Thursday, December 12

Free Entry for Final Week of SF’s Contemporary Jewish Museum (Closing for 1+ Year)
Thursday, December 12 – 11:00 am - Ends at 5:00 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Book free tickets at thecjm.org
| Contemporary Jewish Museum
Free Entry for Final Week of SF's Contemporary Jewish Museum (Closing for 1+ Year)

The Contemporary Jewish Museum (CJM) in San Francisco has, unfortunately, announced it will temporarily close its galleries for at least one year, beginning December 16, 2024, due to financial challenges. The good news (if there is any, here) is that in order to give the ...

Friday, December 13

Japanese Tea Garden’s Free Admission Hour (Golden Gate Park)
Japanese Tea Garden's Free Admission Hour (Golden Gate Park)

The Japanese Tea Garden provides visitors from around the world with an opportunity to experience the natural beauty, tranquility, and harmony of a Japanese-style garden in the heart of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Originally created as a “Japanese Village” exhibit for the 1894 California ...Every Friday

Final Free Weekend at SF’s Contemporary Jewish Museum Before 1+ Year Closure (Dec. 12-15)
Friday, December 13 – 11:00 am - Ends at 5:00 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Book free tickets at thecjm.org
| Contemporary Jewish Museum
Final Free Weekend at SF's Contemporary Jewish Museum Before 1+ Year Closure (Dec. 12-15)

The Contemporary Jewish Museum (CJM) in San Francisco has, unfortunately, announced it will temporarily close its galleries for at least one year, beginning December 16, 2024, due to financial challenges. The good news (if there is any, here) is that in order to give the ...

Saturday, December 14

Free de Young Museum Day for Bay Area Residents (Every Saturday)
Free de Young Museum Day for Bay Area Residents (Every Saturday)

, the de Young offers free general admission to the permanent galleries to Bay Area residents. Please note that admission to any special exhibits is not included nor discounted and will require the full admission price. Saturdays feature engaging art experiences for the entire family, ...Every Saturday

MoAD: Museum of the African Diaspora Free Museum Day (SF)
Saturday, December 14 – 11:00 am - Ends at 6:00 pm | Cost: FREE | Museum of the African Diaspora
MoAD: Museum of the African Diaspora Free Museum Day (SF)

Join us every Second Saturday for Thrive @ MoAD Community Day with free admission to all our exhibitions. Across the globe, museums are increasingly being recognized as having an important role to play in promoting personal and social well-being in partnership with the healthcare industry. ...Monthly

Final Free Weekend at SF’s Contemporary Jewish Museum (Closing for 1+ Year)
Saturday, December 14 – 11:00 am - Ends at 5:00 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Book free tickets at thecjm.org
| Contemporary Jewish Museum
Final Free Weekend at SF's Contemporary Jewish Museum (Closing for 1+ Year)

The Contemporary Jewish Museum (CJM) in San Francisco has, unfortunately, announced it will temporarily close its galleries for at least one year, beginning December 16, 2024, due to financial challenges. The good news (if there is any, here) is that in order to give the ...

Sunday, December 15

Free Day at SF’s Contemporary Jewish Museum (Final Day – Closing for 1+ Year)
Sunday, December 15 – 11:00 am - Ends at 5:00 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Book free tickets at thecjm.org
| Contemporary Jewish Museum
Free Day at SF's Contemporary Jewish Museum (Final Day - Closing for 1+ Year)

The Contemporary Jewish Museum (CJM) in San Francisco has, unfortunately, announced it will temporarily close its galleries for at least one year, beginning December 16, 2024, due to financial challenges. The good news (if there is any, here) is that in order to give the ...

Wednesday, December 18

Japanese Tea Garden’s Free Admission Hour (Golden Gate Park)
Japanese Tea Garden's Free Admission Hour (Golden Gate Park)

The Japanese Tea Garden provides visitors from around the world with an opportunity to experience the natural beauty, tranquility, and harmony of a Japanese-style garden in the heart of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Originally created as a “Japanese Village” exhibit for the 1894 California ...Every Wednesday

Friday, December 20

Japanese Tea Garden’s Free Admission Hour (Golden Gate Park)
Japanese Tea Garden's Free Admission Hour (Golden Gate Park)

The Japanese Tea Garden provides visitors from around the world with an opportunity to experience the natural beauty, tranquility, and harmony of a Japanese-style garden in the heart of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Originally created as a “Japanese Village” exhibit for the 1894 California ...Every Friday

Friday, December 27

Japanese Tea Garden’s Free Admission Hour (Golden Gate Park)
Japanese Tea Garden's Free Admission Hour (Golden Gate Park)

The Japanese Tea Garden provides visitors from around the world with an opportunity to experience the natural beauty, tranquility, and harmony of a Japanese-style garden in the heart of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Originally created as a “Japanese Village” exhibit for the 1894 California ...Every Friday

Wednesday, January 1

SF’s GLBT History Museum: Free First Wednesday
SF's GLBT History Museum: Free First Wednesday

Located in SF’s Castro District, the GLBT Historical Society Museum is the first full-scale, stand-alone museum of its kind in the United States. The museum celebrates 100 years of the city’s vast queer past through dynamic exhibitions and programming. Normally admission is $10, but on ...Monthly

Thursday, January 2

Free First Thursdays at Berkeley Art Museum
Thursday, January 2 – 11:00 am - Ends at 7:00 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Free admission to galleries. Film programs are excluded. No advanced tickets required, but subject to capacity limits
| Berkeley Art Museum / Pacific Film Archive
Free First Thursdays at Berkeley Art Museum

The UC Berkeley Art Museum is the visual arts center of the University of California, Berkeley. Through art and film programs, collections, and research resources, the University aspires to be locally connected and globally relevant, engaging audiences from the campus, community, and beyond. Normally $14, the ...Monthly

SFMOMA’s “Free First Thursdays” Free Museum Day for Locals (2025)
SFMOMA's "Free First Thursdays" Free Museum Day for Locals (2025)

All residents of the nine Bay Area counties are invited to spend a day at the museum on us! From noon–8 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month, Bay Area residents can enjoy SFMOMA’s galleries filled with lively and inspiring art and related events ...Monthly

Friday, January 3

Japanese Tea Garden’s Free Admission Hour (Golden Gate Park)
Japanese Tea Garden's Free Admission Hour (Golden Gate Park)

The Japanese Tea Garden provides visitors from around the world with an opportunity to experience the natural beauty, tranquility, and harmony of a Japanese-style garden in the heart of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Originally created as a “Japanese Village” exhibit for the 1894 California ...Every Friday

Free Admission Day at Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Friday, January 3 – All Day | Cost: FREE | Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Free Admission Day at Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

Connect with nature at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, a place for learning, explorationand building community located in a beautiful building right on the beach in Santa Cruz. Permanent exhibits include wildlife and habitat displays, artifacts and cultural exhibits of the Ohlone, a ...Monthly

History Museum: Free First Fridays (Redwood City)
Friday, January 3 – All Day | Cost: FREE | San Mateo County History Museum
History Museum: Free First Fridays (Redwood City)

Enjoy free admission from 10 am to 4 pm, every first Friday of the month, at the San Mateo History Museum. Explore the museum housed in the 1910 County Courthouse; listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it features a stained glass dome and mosaic tile floor. The History Museum is ...Monthly

“Oakland Art Murmur” 2024 (First Fridays Art Walk)
Friday, January 3 – 6:00 pm - Ends at 9:00 pm | Cost: FREE | Broadway/Telegraph
"Oakland Art Murmur" 2024 (First Fridays Art Walk)

Over 30 Oakland Art Murmur affiliate venues have coordinated openings on the first Friday of every month. Oakland Art Murmur presents a free monthly evening art walk, known as the ‘Art Murmur.” 2024 Update: Art Murmur is still on! Despite Oakland First Fridays being on ...Monthly

Saturday, January 4

Bank of America’s “Museums On Us” Free Museum Weekend (2024)
Bank of America's "Museums On Us" Free Museum Weekend (2024)

Holders of Bank of America, Merrill Lynch, or U. S. Trust cardholders (credit cards and debit cards) get free admission to eight Bay Area museums, two Sacramento museums and to more than 225 cultural institutions nationwide, for the first full weekend each month including the de ...Monthly

Sunday, January 5

Asian Art Museum: Free Admission Day (Every First Sunday)
Sunday, January 5 – 10:00 am - Ends at 5:00 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Special exhibitions may require separate admission surcharge
| Asian Art Museum
Asian Art Museum: Free Admission Day (Every First Sunday)

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 ...Monthly

Tuesday, January 7

“Legion of Honor” Museum Free Day (First Tuesdays)
"Legion of Honor" Museum Free Day (First Tuesdays)

The Legion of Honor displays a collection of 4,000 years of ancient and European art in an exquisite Beaux-Arts building in an unforgettable setting overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge. Normally general admission is $20 for adults, but on the first Tuesday of each month admission ...Monthly

de Young Museum Free Day (First Tuesdays)
Tuesday, January 7 – 9:30 am - Ends at 5:15 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Free admission to general galleries; special exhibition fees still apply. Timed tickets required
| de Young Museum
de Young Museum Free Day (First Tuesdays)

Located in beautiful Golden Gate Park, the de Young Museum is a landmark art museum founded in 1895. Your visit includes a whirlwind trip around the world as the museum’s collections feature priceless treasures and works of arts from the 17th through the 20th centuries ...Monthly

SF’s “Conservatory of Flowers” Free First Tuesdays (Golden Gate Park)
Tuesday, January 7 – 10:00 am - Ends at 4:30 pm | Cost: FREE | Conservatory of Flowers
SF's "Conservatory of Flowers" Free First Tuesdays (Golden Gate Park)

Whether you’re a native San Franciscan, a visitor from the other side of the world, or a budding botanist, the Conservatory of Flowers, located in Golden Gate Park, offers an intimate, up-close experience with nearly 2,000 species of rare, exotic, and endangered plants from more ...Monthly

SF’s Cartoon Art Museum’s “Pay What You Wish” Day (First Tuesdays)
Tuesday, January 7 – 11:00 am - Ends at 5:00 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Pay What You Wish Day
| Cartoon Art Museum
SF's Cartoon Art Museum's "Pay What You Wish" Day (First Tuesdays)

Founded in 1984, the Cartoon Art Museum has something for everyone—from comic strips, comic books and anime to political cartoons, graphic novels and underground comix. People of all ages can view original cartoon art at exhibitions and screenings, produce their own comics and animation at ...Monthly

Saturday, January 11

MoAD: Museum of the African Diaspora Free Museum Day (SF)
Saturday, January 11 – 11:00 am - Ends at 6:00 pm | Cost: FREE | Museum of the African Diaspora
MoAD: Museum of the African Diaspora Free Museum Day (SF)

Join us every Second Saturday for Thrive @ MoAD Community Day with free admission to all our exhibitions. Across the globe, museums are increasingly being recognized as having an important role to play in promoting personal and social well-being in partnership with the healthcare industry. ...Monthly

Sunday, January 12

Free Admission Day at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA)
Sunday, January 12 – 11:00 am - Ends at 5:00 pm | Cost: FREE | Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
Free Admission Day at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA)

Opened to the public in 1993, YBCA was founded as the cultural anchor of San Francisco’s Yerba Buena Gardens neighborhood. Our work spans the realms of contemporary art, performance, film, civic engagement, and public life. Centering artists as essential to social and cultural movement, YBCA ...Monthly

Saturday, February 1

Bank of America’s “Museums On Us” Free Museum Weekend (2024)
Bank of America's "Museums On Us" Free Museum Weekend (2024)

Holders of Bank of America, Merrill Lynch, or U. S. Trust cardholders (credit cards and debit cards) get free admission to eight Bay Area museums, two Sacramento museums and to more than 225 cultural institutions nationwide, for the first full weekend each month including the de ...Monthly

Tuesday, February 4

SF’s “Conservatory of Flowers” Free First Tuesdays (Golden Gate Park)
Tuesday, February 4 – 10:00 am - Ends at 4:30 pm | Cost: FREE | Conservatory of Flowers
SF's "Conservatory of Flowers" Free First Tuesdays (Golden Gate Park)

Whether you’re a native San Franciscan, a visitor from the other side of the world, or a budding botanist, the Conservatory of Flowers, located in Golden Gate Park, offers an intimate, up-close experience with nearly 2,000 species of rare, exotic, and endangered plants from more ...Monthly

Wednesday, February 5

SF’s GLBT History Museum: Free First Wednesday
SF's GLBT History Museum: Free First Wednesday

Located in SF’s Castro District, the GLBT Historical Society Museum is the first full-scale, stand-alone museum of its kind in the United States. The museum celebrates 100 years of the city’s vast queer past through dynamic exhibitions and programming. Normally admission is $10, but on ...Monthly

Friday, February 7

History Museum: Free First Fridays (Redwood City)
Friday, February 7 – All Day | Cost: FREE | San Mateo County History Museum
History Museum: Free First Fridays (Redwood City)

Enjoy free admission from 10 am to 4 pm, every first Friday of the month, at the San Mateo History Museum. Explore the museum housed in the 1910 County Courthouse; listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it features a stained glass dome and mosaic tile floor. The History Museum is ...Monthly

Saturday, February 8

MoAD: Museum of the African Diaspora Free Museum Day (SF)
Saturday, February 8 – 11:00 am - Ends at 6:00 pm | Cost: FREE | Museum of the African Diaspora
MoAD: Museum of the African Diaspora Free Museum Day (SF)

Join us every Second Saturday for Thrive @ MoAD Community Day with free admission to all our exhibitions. Across the globe, museums are increasingly being recognized as having an important role to play in promoting personal and social well-being in partnership with the healthcare industry. ...Monthly

Sunday, February 9

Free Admission Day at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA)
Sunday, February 9 – 11:00 am - Ends at 5:00 pm | Cost: FREE | Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
Free Admission Day at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA)

Opened to the public in 1993, YBCA was founded as the cultural anchor of San Francisco’s Yerba Buena Gardens neighborhood. Our work spans the realms of contemporary art, performance, film, civic engagement, and public life. Centering artists as essential to social and cultural movement, YBCA ...Monthly