San FranciscoArts & Culture
San Francisco is a city of inspiration. You can see it all around you, in whichever neighborhoods you visit.
Our acclaimed museums with their incredible collections and the street and landscape art you'll find where you least expect it are each stunning in their own way. Live performances in San Francisco electrify audiences, whether they're classic favorites at the ballet and opera or avant-garde experimental pieces at neighborhood theaters. Few cities have such a history of music as San Francisco, and there are venues all across the city where you can see famed headliners as well as up-and-coming local artists who are on the cusp of their big break.
Your Arts & Culture Guide to San Francisco
Brighten your calendar with art, movies, and music in and around the Bay. Here are our top art picks.
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Museums & Galleries
With more than 50 amazing museums and hundreds of galleries to explore, there is no shortage of ways to be inspired in San Francisco.
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Performing Arts
Performing arts in San Francisco has a calendar full of fun shows. Catch a theater performance, head to the opera, see the ballet or check out local dance groups and prepare to be entertained.
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Music
The creative spirit and steadfast countercultural streak is on display in San Francisco’s music scene. It's time to immerse yourself in our deep music history and experience the San Francisco sound.
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Public Art
From your first steps off the plane at SFO to our biggest and brightest bridge, you'll discover that San Francisco has public art everywhere.
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Illuminate SF
San Francisco shines brightest during the holiday season when Illuminate SF's Festival of Light covers the city in epic outdoor installations of brilliant light art.
Learn MoreBe Inspired by San Francisco
What's Glowing On: Illuminate SF
Celebrate San Francisco’s culture of creativity and brilliance during the 10th annual Illuminate SF™ Festival of Light, now through the end of January.
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What's Glowing On: Illuminate SF
Celebrate San Francisco’s culture of creativity and brilliance during the 10th annual Illuminate SF™ Festival of Light, now through the end of January.
Learn More -
The Arts are Open in San Francisco
In San Francisco, the arts are open—and art is everywhere. Visit our museums and arts organizations, enjoy public art outdoors, and let San Francisco inspire you.
Illuminate SF™ Festival of Light
Celebrate San Francisco’s culture of creativity and brilliance during the 10th annual Illuminate SF™ Festival of Light, Nov. 5, 2022-Jan. 31, 2023 (and beyond).
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World-class aquariums, interactive science exhibits, and diverse art collections make San Francisco’s museums a must for any visitor.
The Mission District is a virtual outdoor art gallery full of vibrant murals depicting themes ranging from cultural heritage to social-political statements.
To help you plan ahead and get the most out of your visit to the San Francisco Ballet, we offer you these tips and essential information.
Brighten up your visit to San Francisco by attending these eclectic festivals and celebrations, some of which date back more than 100 years.
A sure sign of spring in San Francisco is Japantown's beloved Cherry Blossom Festival. Learn all about it!
The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) is debuting Diego Rivera's America, the most in-depth examination of the artist's work in over two decades.
Next time you’re at SFO, plan a little extra time to relax and enjoy the world-class art exhibits.
Celebrate Black History Month in and around San Francisco this year.
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