Things to do / Travel Guide
Address:200 Larkin St.
San Francisco, California
Tel:
(415) 581-3500
Explore one of the largest museums in the Western world, devoted exclusively to Asian Art and with over 17,000 artworks spanning 6,000 years! From tiny jades to monumental sculptures, textiles, furniture, puppets and basketry, the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco is a true wonderland of Asian culture.
The Asian Art Museum's galleries are devoted to the arts of India, China, Western Asia (including Persia), South-East Asia, Korea and Japan - with 2,500 works on display in the permanent collection. Popular pieces include a large, jewel-encrusted 19th-century Burmese Buddha, a gift from Avery Brundage, who donated half of the museum's collection, and Chinese jades that span from the Neolithic period to today. Be sure not to miss the changing tastes, smells, sounds and aesthetics of chanoyu - the Japanese way of tea - in special programs held in the Japanese Tearoom. If traveling with kids, visit the interactive Family Programs - where parents and children can explore the many aspects of Asian art and culture together.
The Cafe Asia offers sushi, sandwiches, snacks and desserts, as well as full beverage service. The museum is located one block west of the Civic Center station. To get here, leave the station by the Grove Street exit and proceed upstairs to street level. Walk one block north on Hyde to Fulton and make a left on Fulton. Walk one block west (toward City Hall) on Fulton to Larkin and make a right on Larkin. See you there!