SFMOMA is one of San Francisco’s most popular art museums, with a massive collection of contemporary and modern art. The art museum regularly hosts major exhibitions featuring artwork by artists such as Alejandro Cartagena, Suzanne Jackson, and even Andy Warhol.
Typically, the museum offers free admission to residents on the first Thursday of the month, but that free admission is temporarily paused. While the free admission days are paused, SFMOMA still offers plenty of gallery space that is free and open to the public.
The museum boasts an impressive 45,000 square feet of public space, with various artworks on view. No ticket is required to enjoy the space, and the areas are equipped with ample seating and food and drink options. Some of the artworks include Fortuna and the Immortality Garden (Machine),by Kara E-Walker. The large-scale mechanical installation shows automatons in a constant cycle. The moving creations are presented on a pile of black obsidian, with seating surrounding the installation.
You cna also see a mural dedicated to Bay Area basketball, called Bay Area Hoops by Gene Luen Yang. The mural is in comic book format, following the story of three basketball players (Stephen Curry, Jeremy Lin, and Fran Belibi). It’s part of the Bay Area Walls exhibition, which features commissioned works from various artists throughout the museum.
Plus, be sure to look for HOWL, eon (I, II) by Julie Mehretu on the first floor when you enter the museum. The massive abstract canvases frame the staircase, and are commissioned pieces for SFMOMA.
Aside from the free gallery space, the art museum is also offering free art-making workshops on Sundays. The workshops alternative between family days, with kid friendly activities, and workshops for all ages. Materials are provided, and. you can simply drop in on Sundays to start creating. Check out the workshop schedule here.
