People are familiar with the SF basics, such as SFMoma, De Young, and Legion of Honor. Even the Academy of Arts and Science, along with the Botanical Gardens, are quite popular. However, this list focuses on more of the underdogs. It also spans a wide range outside of just SF, as there are many excellent day trips that can be taken from these art institutions.
SF POPOS
Privately Owned Public Open Spaces (POPOS) are public spaces that are legally required to be open to the public, despite being privately owned, under a city's zoning ordinance. These spaces are typically the result of an agreement between private real estate developers and cities, and they often feature incredible art. They include publicly accessible areas such as plazas, terraces, atriums, small parks, and even small pockets of land provided and maintained by private developers.
In San Francisco, POPOS are mainly found in the Downtown office district area. The San Francisco Planning and Urban Research Association has created a useful PDF map of 56 POPOS, with several addresses featuring more than one. Exploring these spaces is like a treasure hunt for great sculptures, art installations, and parks.
Minnesota Street Project
The Minnesota Street Project is a unique destination for contemporary art in San Francisco. This organization provides affordable and economically-sustainable spaces for art galleries, artists, and related nonprofits in a transformed group of former industrial buildings in the Dogpatch. Visitors can explore galleries showcasing a range of mediums such as painting, sculpture, photography, and more. The Project also hosts a variety of events, from artist talks to workshops to performances. Make sure to add a stop at Harmonic Brewery for great tacos and beers.
The Exploratorium
The Exploratorium is a science museum located in one of the San Francisco Piers, near the Ferry Building. It was founded by physicist Frank Oppenheimer in 1969 and features over 650 interactive exhibits covering optical illusions (my personal favorite), physics, chemistry, biology, and ecology. Some of the most popular exhibits include the Tactile Dome, Giant Bubbles, and the Giant Mirror. The museum also hosts numerous events and has a late-night opening called After Dark every Thursday, where visitors can enjoy drinks while playing with everything in the museum without children present.
Crocker Art Museum
The Crocker Art Museum, located in Sacramento, is the oldest art museum in the Western United States! Founded in 1885, the museum holds one of the premier collections of Californian art. It also features a vast collection of European master drawings and international ceramics. They have very cool temporary exhibitions. I was lucky to attend “The Candy Store” in 2022. The tagline for the show was “FUNK, NUT, AND OTHER ART WITH A KICK”. I found it to be one of the most original shows I’ve been to and was able to discover many old and new California artists, which is oddly rare.
Carmel Art Walk
A bit further out but near a very nice beach is the town of Carmel. At the turn of the century, Carmel's small population was largely made up of artists. In fact, a report from 1910 stated that over 60% of the homes in Carmel were owned by individuals pursuing a career in the arts. The pristine beauty, free-thinking community, and solitude of Carmel made it an exciting place to develop an artistic voice. Thus, the Bohemian art colony of Carmel was born. One century later, you can experience this tradition by taking the Carmel Art Walk. You can meet the artists and tour 14 local artist-owned galleries in Carmel-by-the-Sea every second Saturday of the month from 4-7 pm.
The Foster Museum
The Foster Museum is a private single-artist museum located in Palo Alto, California. It’s dedicated to the watercolor wilderness Journeys of artist-explorer Tony Foster. I discovered it while finding things to do when my in-laws were in town and they couldn’t have loved it more! It’s by reservation only, so you have to plan a day or two in advance. We ended up spending upwards of four hours soaking in every detail of Tony Foster’s paintings, journey, and collectibles. It’s a really awesome place to visit and see one man's focus in pursuit of living his best life within nature and documenting it for so many years.
Stanford University is home to several world-renowned art museums and galleries, as well as a variety of impressive sculptures and public art installations.
The Anderson Collection
This museum features a stunning collection of modern and contemporary American art, with works by artists such as Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, and Ellsworth Kelly. Visitors can explore over 100 paintings and sculptures, including many iconic pieces from the 20th century. I recommend the book on how this collection was built. It’s called “A Family Affair: Modern and Contemporary American Art from the Anderson Collection at Stanford University”
Cantor Center for the Arts
Another must-visit destination for art lovers at Stanford University is the Cantor Center for the Arts. This museum has an impressive collection of over 38,000 works of art, including pieces from around the world and throughout history. Don't miss the Richard Serra sculpture and Rodin's Gates of Hell outside.
Art Installations & Sculptures
Stanford University's campus has various public art installations and sculptures. Art lovers will find a treasure trove of impressive sculptures and public art installations. Here are some notable ones on campus:
Rodin's Gates of Hell: This massive bronze sculpture, located in the Cantor Arts Center, depicts scenes from Dante's Inferno and is one of the most famous sculptures on campus. Composed of over 200 figures, it serves as a stunning example of the power of art to convey emotion
The Burghers of Calais: Another of Auguste Rodin's masterpieces, this sculpture was commissioned to commemorate the sacrifice of six Calaisian burghers during the Hundred Years' War. It is located near the School of Education and is a showcase of the expressionist style.
Stone River: This sculpture, located near the McMurtry Building, is a tribute to the Chinese immigrants who contributed to the building of the Transcontinental Railroad. Composed of 72 granite boulders, it is a reminder of the contributions of immigrants to American society.
Red Hoop Fountain: This kinetic sculpture, located near the Cantor Arts Center, features a series of hoops that rotate and spray water in an intricate and mesmerizing display.
Sequence: A notable sculpture from Richard Serra's body of work, is located near the Cantor Arts Center. Composed of two towering walls of weathered steel, this sculpture creates a striking visual contrast with the surrounding greenery and serves as a powerful display of the ways in which art can interact with and transform the natural world.
Hello: A large-scale outdoor sculpture by international artist Xu Zhen. This sculpture depicts a giant waving hand and is a playful and thought-provoking commentary on the nature of communication and human connection in the modern world.
Pars pro Toto: This sculpture by Alicja Kwade, located outside the McMurtry Building, is a large, spherical object made of steel and mirrors. It is designed to reflect and distort the surrounding environment, creating a sense of disorientation and wonder in viewers
These sculptures are just a few examples of the impressive art that can be found on Stanford's campus. Whether you are a student, a neighbor, or simply a lover of art, a visit to the campus is a must for anyone looking to experience the beauty and power of human creativity. Bonus: Visit the large crow installation a few blocks away.
P.S. Napa Valley notable art collections coming soon!
