SFMOMA free entry, hours, tickets and the best time to avoid crowds
Quick answer
SFMOMA is open 10am–5pm (Thursdays noon–8pm) and closed on Wednesdays. General admission is $30 and visitors 18 and under are free. There are free Community and Family Days on set dates, and the best time to avoid crowds is opening time on a weekday.
Hours and prices checked on · Official website
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How free entry at SFMOMA works
Free Family Days let up to two adults in free with one child or teen aged 18 or under; tickets are released two weeks in advance and surcharged exhibitions are excluded. Free Community Days open the museum to everyone, with dates to be announced. If you just want to see art without paying, about 45,000 sq ft of public space is free, including commissions by local artists.
- Book free-day tickets as early as possible: they go quickly.
- The museum is closed on Wednesdays, so don't count on that day.
- Visitors 18 and under: free any day.
- San Francisco CityPASS and Go City offer discounts; compare before buying.
Best time to visit SFMOMA without crowds
- Monday, Tuesday and Friday at 10am with an online ticket is the quietest combination.
- Thursday evening: it opens later but stays open until 8pm.
- Avoid Saturdays and Sundays between noon and 3pm.
- For a popular special exhibition, book a timed slot.
Where to buy tickets
Buy only from sfmoma.org to avoid reseller mark-ups. Some special exhibitions carry a surcharge. As an alternative to an audio guide, the AnyArt app recognises works with your camera and tells their story in your language.
Frequently asked questions
Is SFMOMA free for kids?
Yes. Visitors aged 18 and under get in free.
How much is SFMOMA admission in 2026?
General admission is $30, seniors $25 and students with ID $23, per the rates checked in October 2026. Confirm on the official website before your visit.
Is SFMOMA open on Wednesdays?
No. It's closed on Wednesdays, as well as Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Is there free admission for locals?
The museum runs Free Community Days for everyone; check its calendar. There's no fixed free day every week.
What costs extra besides admission?
Some special exhibitions carry a surcharge, and nearby parking is separate. Many visitors take transit to Montgomery station.