Yerba Buena Center for the Arts is a contemporary arts center that celebrates a wide variety of art expressed in exhibitions and performances. You'll find all sorts of exhibitions and programs held here all year long led by locals and traveling acts alike.
Anyone who's looking to immerse themselves in artistic expression and the multitude of Bay Area communities on display here will enjoy a trip to this arts center. Most visitors spend about 3 or 4 hours here, but you could spend even more time here depending on what kind of exhibitions they have during your visit.
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco - one of the highlights of 16 Best Family Things to Do in San Francisco and 12 Best Museums in San Francisco (Read all about San Francisco here)
photo by Another Believer (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts highlights
While you can find fine arts here, the center has no permanent collections. Instead, you'll find temporary exhibitions, so you may have an entirely different experience on subsequent visits. The same is true for their film and video showcases. Every time you visit, you may find some new art-house film showing.
On the stage inside, you can treat yourself to a variety of musical performances. Additionally, you could see a dance performance ranging from mime to classic ballet. Keep in mind that there aren't always neat distinctions between the categories, and overlap is more often the case than not.
photo by Roger Jones (CC BY 2.0) modified
Good to know when visiting Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
Accessibility is easy to come by here, as this venue goes out of its way to be accommodating. The entire facility is wheelchair accessible, and they have some wheelchairs that people can use. Additionally, you'll find large-print guides for exhibitions if you need them. Plus, caregivers get in free if they're working with a paying visitor with accessibility needs.
When you visit, don't forget to spend some time in the Yerba Buena Gardens just outside. This relaxing park space is perfect on sunny days with its numerous paved walking paths and vibrant trees.
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco
Location: 701 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA
Open: Friday–Sunday and Tuesday–Wednesday from 11 am to 6 pm, Thursday from 11 am to 8 pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +1 415-978-2787
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