San Francisco MOMA

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
With so much space, the new museum has room to display not only its own collections of art, but traveling art collections too

In 1995, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art finally got a home of its own. When it first opened in 1935, it was the only modern-art museum in the western U.S.

Its collection grew to include works by most of the world's best-known modern painters, as well as an extensive collection of photographs. But for 60 years, it had been squeezed into two cramped floors of the city's War Memorial Veterans' Building. The new $62 million museum has four levels of light-filled galleries. The total gallery space is 50,000 square feet nearly the size of a football field.

From outside, the new museum is imposing and unusual-looking. Designed by Swiss architect Mario Botta, it is a series of stepped blocks, with a cylindrical tower set in the middle. Inside, a black granite staircase leads up to the galleries. There are seven galleries in all, one reached by a bridge suspended 75 feet above the lobby. Skylights and soaring ceilings create the effect of a cathedral.

With so much space, the new museum has room to display not only its own collections of art, but traveling art collections too. It can also present performance art that incorporates dance and theater.

Golden Gate Bridge

S. Francisco MoMA

Los Angeles
guide, hotels

Los Angeles
The City
Arriving
Information
City transport
Public transportation
Major bus routes
Cycling
Eating
Eating Downtown
West LA eating
Hollywood eating
Disneyland eating
San Gabriel, San
Fernando eating
Nightlife
Bars, pubs
Sta. Monica, Venice,
Malibu eating
Clubs, discos
Live music
Classical music, opera,
dance
Comedy clubs
Theaters
Film
Lesbian & gays
G & L bars, clubs
Best of LA
Specialist tours

California
guide, hotels

San Diego travel
guide

San Diego

Getting around and info

Cafes, restaurants

Nightlife

Anza-Borrego Desert
Balboa Park

San Diego Zoo (coming soon)

Downtown and Coronado
Hillcrest, Ocean Beach, Point Loma

Mission bay, Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, La Jolla

Old Town and Presidio
Tijuana

La Jolla Beaches

San Diego golf

San Diego Museums

Mission Beach
Surfing, Kayaking
Kids
Travel practicalities

Hotels in San Diego

Travelodge

Days Inn - Get our guaranteed best available rates in San Diego

Ramada - Best rates available in San Diego

Vacation rental