deYoung Art Museum

San Francisco Review

de Young Art Museum - San Francisco

de Young Art Museum - Classic and impressionist art in Golden Gate Park.

The views from the top of the deYoung Museum tower are incredible. You can see downtown skyscrapers; the Marin headlands, and sometimes the Pacific Ocean. You can see down to the museum's architecture and copper roofing. The controversial architecture is exciting the architecture community and all of San Francisco. This Herzog & de Meuron designed museum is a touchstone for any fan of 21st century design. The museum's president was attracted to the design team after seeing a uniquely designed signal box and depot at a train station. The museum was privately funded with over $185 million in donations, including $10 million from the president herself.

Design cues for the museum were taken from the surrounding Golden Gate Park. The intention was was to have the building be light, strange, and blend with the park's setting. The copper skin of the building will age and patina into a green tone over the next 15 years. The twisting tower is the building's unique trademark to align it with the pattern of San Francisco's streets.

The art galleries flow together and match with the art collections styles. The size, style, and lighting of galleries differs based on the art itself. The light variance is most pronounced in areas that allow views out of the museum to the park's beautiful surrounding gardens. The museum's primary intention is to connect the museum viewer with the outside world. The de Young Art museum allows people, art, San Francisco, and nature to be joined as one.

Open all days except Monday.

$10 per visitor : 415-750-3600

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