Exit Through The Gift Shop

"I WENT TO THE DE YOUNG, AND ALL I GOT WAS THIS"

DE YOUNG MUSEUM
50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr
San Francisco, CA 94118
map
(415) 750-3600
deyoung.famsf.org/


OVERALL:4.5
ART: 4
SERVICE:4.5
AMBIANCE:5
VALUE:4.5



Banksy is not in the house, but this museum is still one of my fave weekend hangouts in SF.  Might have something to do with the unique architecture that's part futuristic copper-clad Swiss cheese, part larger-than-life sculpture garden.  Or maybe it has something to do with being gorgeous-by-association, thanks to its ultra-green Academy neighbor on the Music Concourse.  Might also have something to do with me having a membership -- but seriously, a membership is a no-brainer & easily pays itself off several times over, with reciprocity at the Legion of Honor & all the kickass special exhibits that roll through each year:

• Chihuly (2008)
• YSL  (2008)
• Maya Lin (2009)
• Monet/Impressionists (2010)
• Balenciaga (2011)
• Olmec (2011)

The goodies in the permanent collection are pretty enticing on their own & keep me oohing and ahhing:

• 360° city view from the 9th-floor Hamon Tower
• Outdoor patio & sunshine galore at the locally-sourced deYoung Café
• Art nouveau decorative pieces (oooh, Tiffany!)
• Cool interior fern enclosures
• Friday Nights (FREE for college students/faculty!)
• First Tuesdays - FREE