Civic Center Plaza 200 Larkin Street | |
| 415.581.3500 | |
| http://www.asianart.org | |
| Hours: Tue-Sun 10am-5pm, Thu 10am-9pm | |
| Cost: Adults $12; Seniors $8; Children (ages 13-17) $7, (12 & under) Free | |
| Ages: All Ages |
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About Asian Art Museum
This is not a children's museum in the standard sense of the phrase; the exhibits are neither interactive nor geared to small people. But the beautifully renovated space is well worth a visit, especially the first Saturday of every month when the museum hosts a Family Program, which includes studio and gallery activities. And on Sundays at 1pm a storyteller brings to life a selected art object in a retelling of adventures, myths, and legends. Turns out to be a great way to appreciate art.
Afterwards, you can wander through the rest of the museum and look at the rest of the art, which represents 6,000 years of Asian. The collection, which numbers 15,000 pieces (only a small percentage is displayed at any given time), includes Indonesian and Cambodian bronzes, hanging Japanese scrolls, intricately woven Himalayan thankas and mandalas, and ritual instruments made of bone, and ornate jewelry.
Make a point of working up a hunger so you can stop in at the museum cafe, which offers sushi, miso soup, rice, and other Asian fare at pretty reasonable prices. The Museum hosts a couple programs specific to families:
Family Festivals: Semiannual museum-wide events during which the cultural and artistic traditions of Asia come alive. The festivals celebrate the parent-child relationship with a fun-filled day of engaging progams - all free with museum admission. Target Family Programs: Every first Sunday of the month admission is free to everyone. There are also family programs on these days, ranging from performances, art activities, and more.
Afterwards, you can wander through the rest of the museum and look at the rest of the art, which represents 6,000 years of Asian. The collection, which numbers 15,000 pieces (only a small percentage is displayed at any given time), includes Indonesian and Cambodian bronzes, hanging Japanese scrolls, intricately woven Himalayan thankas and mandalas, and ritual instruments made of bone, and ornate jewelry.
Make a point of working up a hunger so you can stop in at the museum cafe, which offers sushi, miso soup, rice, and other Asian fare at pretty reasonable prices. The Museum hosts a couple programs specific to families:
Family Festivals: Semiannual museum-wide events during which the cultural and artistic traditions of Asia come alive. The festivals celebrate the parent-child relationship with a fun-filled day of engaging progams - all free with museum admission. Target Family Programs: Every first Sunday of the month admission is free to everyone. There are also family programs on these days, ranging from performances, art activities, and more.
Tips
One feature that makes it all much easier for you and the kids to appreciate is an audiophone that's free and guides you on a very pleasant, informative tour of select pieces. Pick one up at the information center.
Getting There
Located between Fulton and McAllister. Closest parking is in the underground Civic Center Garage, or take BART to the Civic Center station.
Asian Art Museum
- Drop-In Art Activities Ongoing Each Sat
- Family Gallery Studio Ongoing Each Sat
- Shanghai Ongoing Daily except Mon 2/12/10 - 9/5/10
- Storytelling in the Galleries 2/14/10
Parent Reviews
(3 reviews)
Average Parent Rating: 
Rated by 3 parents
- A visit to the Asian Art Museum is a great, cultural family activity -- just pick a day when interactive programs are offered. Works for ages 3+ -- about the right age to introduce the difference between look and touch without involving an electrical socket.
[Submitted by Mom of Active Boys3/05/08 - I have worked at the Asian Art Museum of S.F. for the past four years, and in that time the museum has prioritized its efforts to create age-appropriate activities for families and youth. Currently, the Asian Art Museum offers a myriad of programs for kids and families. On the first Saturday of every month, families are invited to the Family Art Encounter, a drop in program featuring book readings, hands-on activities and docent family tours. The bi-annual Family Festival is a day-long, museum-wide event with artist demonstrations, performances, hands-on activities, storytelling, and other family activities. Every Sunday and the first Saturday of the month families can participate in storytelling and listen to folktales of Asia. This summer the museum implemented a new program aimed at teens, Art Speak. Art Speak had 15 high school age participants leading interactive tours of the special exhibition, the Marvel of Manga. The above mentioned programs provide an opportunity for parents and children to explore Asian cultures, ideas and art forms together in an engaging and fun environment. Admittedly, the Asian Art Museum is not the most family friendly institution in town, but we're working on it. I encourage everyone to check the website for programs and events of interest to you. Allison Wyckoff Family and Youth Programs Coordinator
[Submitted by Allison Wyckoff9/03/07 - i have gone multiple times with toddlers and it appears to be shunned. i must add that we have never gone on free tuesday though. that may have a different feel
[Submitted by Anonymous8/23/07
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