SFMOMA is dedicated to making the art for our time a vital and meaningful part of public life. It has put together unparalleled collections, created exhilarating exhibitions, and developed engaging public programs. In all of these endeavors, SFMOMA has been guided by their enduring commitment to fostering creativity and embracing new ways of seeing the world.
The Main Library is the resource center for the entire San Francisco Public Library system and the libraries of Northern California. Its large collection and extensive programs and exhibits support the Library's mission of "access to information, knowledge, independent learning and the joy of reading."
SFO Aviation Museum maintains a wide range of programming throughout the Airport's terminals. The Museum's fine art photography gallery presents work from artists of international renown; interactive Kids' Spots offer simulated weather occurrences and musical experiences; student-artists demonstrate the extraordinary talent and creativity of the area's schoolchildren; and hands-on educational programs and tours are available to visiting students.
While BART's core business is transportation, when possible, it likes to place artwork in it's stations to make the environment a more pleasing visual experience for its' riders. The Embarcadero has several works of art that are well worth seeking out!
This granite relief full length portrait of Tallie Maule, the chief architect for BART's original system, produced by his colleague William Cullen.
While we are not exactly sure what the initials stand for, this sculptural column was made out of brushed aluminum and created by a local Berkeley artist by the name of Doug Heine. From reactor plants in nuclear submarines, to scientific apparatus such as super-conducting magnets for cosmic ray research, to fine art, Doug has been practicing art for over 35 years.
BART contracted metal sculptor, Robert Ellison, a local Northern California artist to build an artistic bike locker cage to draw attention to BART's new bike security space. Called "Spin" as a tongue and cheek reference to spinning gears and wheels of a bike, it was installed in January of 2002. Painted in various shades of gold, Ellison chose to highlight, magnify and overlap bikes and bike parts to catch bicyclists eye.
Located on the sixth floor of the San Francisco Main Public Library, The San Francisco History Center holds archival collections pertaining to the history of the City and, to a lesser extent, to the San Francisco Bay Area and California.
The mission of the Guardians of the City Museum and Safety Learning Center is to celebrate the lives, history and service of the City and County of San Francisco first responders of the fire, police, sheriff and emergency medical departments. The Guardians of the City provides the stewardship and preservation of the collection of irreplaceable artifacts from these departments.Since the museum is staffed by volunteers, it is best if you call (415) 558-3546 after 1pm on the day of your visit.
The Octagon House maintains a museum of American Colonial and Federal Era decorative arts and historical documents in a unique, eight-sided early American home. The Octagon House is open to the public on the second Sunday, and second and fourth Thursdays for docent led tours. It is closed during the month of January and holidays.