Welcome to the de Young Museum in San Francisco! Whether you’re a local resident or a first-time visitor to the city, the de Young is a must-visit destination for art lovers, history buffs, and anyone who appreciates the cultural richness of San Francisco. The museum’s diverse collection of American art from the 17th century to the present day, along with its stunning architecture and beautiful outdoor spaces, makes it a fascinating and enjoyable place to explore. In this guide, we’ll walk you through some of the highlights of the de Young’s collections, exhibitions, and special events, and offer tips for getting the most out of your visit. So put on your walking shoes, grab your camera, and get ready to discover the many wonders of the de Young Museum!
The DeYoung Museum San Francisco
The DeYoung Museum is an art museum located in San Francisco, California. It is one of the city’s most popular cultural institutions and is dedicated to showcasing American art from the 17th through the 21st centuries, as well as international contemporary art, textiles, and costumes. The museum is housed in a copper-clad building designed by Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron and opened to the public on October 15, 2005. The DeYoung Museum offers a wide range of programs and exhibitions that appeal to visitors of all ages and interests.
Overview and History
The DeYoung Museum was originally founded in 1895 as the Memorial Museum and was renamed the M. H. de Young Memorial Museum in 1929. The museum was located in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park and was dedicated to collecting and exhibiting fine arts. In 1989, the museum was heavily damaged by the Loma Prieta earthquake and was temporarily housed in the San Francisco Civic Center. The new DeYoung Museum building was constructed on the same site as the original and opened to the public in 2005.
The DeYoung Museum is named after Michael H. de Young, a businessman and philanthropist who co-founded the San Francisco Chronicle newspaper. De Young was a prominent figure in San Francisco society and was active in many charitable and civic organizations. He helped to establish the San Francisco Art Association, which eventually became the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. De Young donated many of the museum’s earliest works and played a major role in the museum’s development.
Collections and Exhibitions
The DeYoung Museum is home to a vast collection of American art, including paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and works on paper. The collection spans from the colonial era to the present day and includes works by many of America’s greatest artists. Some of the most notable works in the collection include paintings by Georgia O’Keeffe, Edward Hopper, Grant Wood, and Thomas Moran, and sculptures by Frederic Remington, Augustus Saint-Gaudens, and Alexander Calder.
In addition to its American art collection, the DeYoung Museum also houses an extensive collection of textiles and costumes. The collection includes traditional garments and textiles from around the world as well as contemporary fashion designs. The museum also hosts a range of temporary exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing a variety of art forms and genres from around the world. Recent exhibitions have included retrospectives of the works of artist Keith Haring and fashion designer Oscar de la Renta.
Visitor Information
The DeYoung Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 am to 5:15 pm, and is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Admission prices vary depending on the exhibitions on view, but general admission is $15 for adults, $10 for seniors, $6 for youths (aged 13-17), and free for children under 12 and members. The museum offers a range of special programs and events throughout the year, including lectures, concerts, and family programs. Visitors can explore the surrounding Golden Gate Park, which offers numerous gardens, trails, and other attractions.
The DeYoung Museum is easily accessible by public transportation, with several bus routes and a nearby light rail station. There is also ample parking available in the museum’s garage and on nearby streets. Visitors can enjoy a meal or a snack at the museum’s cafe, which offers a range of tasty options, including sandwiches, salads, and desserts.
Overall, the DeYoung Museum is a must-visit destination for art lovers, history buffs, and anyone interested in the cultural heritage of San Francisco. With its stunning architecture, vast collections, and varied programming, the museum offers a unique and memorable experience for visitors of all ages.
The DeYoung Museum Architecture and Design
The DeYoung Museum is one of San Francisco’s most iconic landmarks, renowned for its innovative architecture and unique design elements. The museum building stands out with its striking copper tower, beautiful sculpture garden, and twisting roof, all designed to symbolize San Francisco’s vibrant, dynamic culture.
The Building’s Unique Features
The DeYoung Museum’s architecture and design is a testament to the creativity and vision of its designers, Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron. The museum’s most striking feature is its 144-foot copper-clad tower, which is one of the tallest museum towers in the world. The tower provides a stunning view of San Francisco’s beautiful Golden Gate Park and the surrounding city skyline.
The museum’s sculpture garden is another masterpiece, showcasing an array of contemporary sculptures from some of the world’s most renowned artists. The twisting roof, designed to resemble the delicate petals of a flower, creates a striking contrast to the surrounding buildings and landscape. The roof is made of copper, glass, and stone, which reflect the changing light throughout the day.
Restoration and Renovation Efforts
The DeYoung Museum suffered significant damage from the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, which forced it to close for several years. Despite the challenges, the museum underwent significant restoration efforts and reopened in 2005. Its renovation and restoration were a complex and challenging process, with the museum retaining its original character, while integrating modern, state-of-the-art facilities and technologies.
During the restoration and renovation process, the tower was collapsed and rebuilt, using recycled copper from the original tower. The museum also undertook extensive seismic upgrades and created a new, enlarged exhibition wing, providing visitors with more exhibition space, educational facilities, and community spaces.
Recognition and Awards
The DeYoung Museum has received numerous accolades since it opened in 2005. In addition to its unique design, the museum’s advanced systems and features have been recognized for their eco-friendliness, sustainability, and energy efficiency. The museum was awarded a Gold LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, which makes it one of the world’s greenest museums.
The DeYoung Museum has also received international recognition, including being named one of the “Seven Wonders of the Modern World” by the American Institute of Architects. The museum’s unique architecture and design elements have made it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
In conclusion, the DeYoung Museum stands out as an exceptional example of modern architecture and design. Its unique features, innovative restoration and renovation efforts, and numerous awards and recognitions make it a true landmark in San Francisco’s cultural landscape.
The DeYoung Museum Arts Education Programs
The DeYoung Museum San Francisco is not just a place to appreciate art but also offers a range of educational programs that cater to different age groups and communities. With a mission of enhancing the public’s appreciation of fine arts, the museum has developed a diverse range of school programs, community engagement projects, and adult education opportunities.
K-12 School Programs
The DeYoung Museum offers K-12 educational programs that aim to develop art appreciation and inspire creative expression among students. Through hands-on activities, students can learn about different art forms, and docent-led tours ensure they get a better understanding of the artifacts’ significance. The museum offers a set of pre-visit materials that aim to support classroom learning and the curriculum. Along with this, the museum also offers a field trip grant, enabling access for students from low-income schools to visit the museum entirely free of charge.
K-12 classes are an integral part of school programs. Classes scheduled during weekends and school holidays provide an opportunity to engage in art activities. Here, students can participate in workshops to learn painting, sculpture, and more from professional artists with the museum’s guidance. The activities are designed to complement school curriculums and cater to a range of learners, including children with special needs.
Community Engagement Projects
The DeYoung Museum seeks inclusive access to art education, minimizing disparities in experience and access to art. The community engagement programs are an essential part of this mission, offering free admission days, art-making workshops, and special events for underserved communities. Museum staff collaborates with community leaders and organizations, making it possible for them to partake in cultural activities and educational programs.
One such program is the Summer Art Intensive where high school students create art inspired by the museum’s vast collection with the help of mentors who are professional artists. The program is tuition-free and includes all materials required for the program. This initiative aims to provide art opportunities to students who would not usually have access to them, highlighting the museum’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Adult Education Opportunities
The DeYoung Museum provides a wide range of adult education programs that cater not only to art enthusiasts but also learners with interests in different fields. The adult programs are designed to encourage lifelong learning. Workshops, lectures, and classes focus on a variety of themes, such as art history, digital art, cultural diversity, and more. Adult education opportunities include learning about jewelry making, ceramics, and photography. The adult programs are led by professionals from the fields and utilize the museum’s extensive collection for inspiration and learning.
In conclusion, The DeYoung Museum San Francisco’s education programs aim to cultivate an appreciation for art and establish a deep connection to the cultural significance that it holds. Whether one is a student, community member, or lifelong learner, the museum offers inclusive and diverse programs that cater to everyone’s interests and needs. Learning at the DeYoung is an investment in the future of the arts, leading to innovation, creativity, and social change.
The DeYoung Museum Restaurants and Shops
The DeYoung Museum in San Francisco is a beautiful and must-visit attraction for art lovers. If you are planning to visit the museum, do not forget to check out the various dining and shopping options available. From cafes to dining options, and unique gift shops, the DeYoung Museum has it all. Here are some of the dining and shopping options you should explore:
Cafes and Dining Options
The DeYoung Museum offers visitors a range of dining options that are sure to please any palate. The Museum Café, situated on the main level of the museum, offers visitors a great place to enjoy a meal and relax. You can also enjoy sweeping views of the Hamon Tower Observation Deck while choosing from a variety of food options. The menu includes soups, sandwiches, salads, pasta, and grilled items. If you have kids, make sure to visit the De Youngsters children’s café. This café is designed for kids and offers art-inspired menu options that your kids will love. You can select from sandwiches, pizzas, salads, and snacks, as well as kid-friendly beverages.
Museum Stores and Gift Shops
Shop at the DeYoung Museum’s three unique stores, which offer a wide variety of products, including jewelry, clothing, and books. Each store is unique and offers something different, so explore them all. The de Young Museum Store features a range of products that reflect the museum’s exhibitions, such as books, posters, and prints. The Hamon Tower Observation Deck Gift Shop offers a unique shopping experience. This gift shop offers an extensive selection of art-inspired gifts, including jewelry, home decor items, and other unique products. The Piazzoni Murals Room Gift Shop is a must-visit. This room features stunning murals, and visitors can purchase reproductions of the murals, as well as art-inspired gifts and merchandise.
The Piazzoni Murals Room
The Piazzoni Murals Room is a stunning and must-visit attraction at the DeYoung Museum. This room features magnificent murals that were created by prominent California artist, Gottardo Piazzoni. The murals were created in 1930 and have been restored to their original beauty. You will be amazed by the stunning colors and patterns showcased in this room. You can learn about the history of the murals through the museum’s interactive kiosks, which offer fascinating information on the artwork and the artist. While you are in the Piazzoni Murals Room, make sure to visit the gift shop, which features art-inspired gifts and merchandise, as well as reproductions of the murals.
The DeYoung Museum’s dining and shopping options are a great way to complete your museum visit. You can enjoy a meal or relax at one of the cafes, shop for unique gifts and souvenirs, and learn about the history of the Piazzoni Murals Room. Make sure to take some time to explore all the museum has to offer.
Behind the Scenes at the DeYoung Museum
The DeYoung Museum in San Francisco offers a wide range of exhibits, events, and activities for art lovers and museum-goers of all ages. While the galleries are the main attraction, there’s a lot more to discover and explore behind the scenes at this world-class museum. Let’s take a closer look at some of the departments and studios that make the DeYoung Museum truly special.
The Conservation Studio
If you’re curious about the science and art of art conservation, the DeYoung Museum’s Conservation Studio is the perfect place to start. This state-of-the-art facility is where talented conservators use a wide range of techniques and tools to preserve and restore artworks in the museum’s collections.
The conservation process can involve anything from cleaning and stabilizing to repairing and reconstructing artworks, using a combination of traditional and modern methods. For example, conservators may use microscopes to examine and analyze tiny details on a painting, or they may employ laser technology to remove dirt and grime from a sculpture. Visitors can watch conservators at work through observation windows, and learn about the challenges and rewards of this fascinating field.
The Collections Management Center
With more than 27,000 artworks and objects in its collections, the DeYoung Museum has a lot of management to do. That’s where the Collections Management Center (CMC) comes in. This department is responsible for the storage, cataloging, and organization of the museum’s vast collection, as well as the security and safety of the artworks.
Inside the CMC, you’ll find a complex array of systems and procedures designed to keep everything in order and accessible. Artworks are stored in climate-controlled vaults with customized shelving and racks. Each item is cataloged and tagged with a unique identifier, and the data is entered into a digital database for easy tracking and retrieval. The archives are also carefully maintained, with documents and photographs dating back to the museum’s founding in the 19th century.
The Education Department Art Studios
The DeYoung Museum takes education and engagement seriously, and its Education Department is a hub of activity for visitors of all ages. One of the highlights of this department is the art-making studios, which offer hands-on experiences inspired by the museum’s collections.
The studios are equipped with a variety of tools and materials, including paints, clay, fabric, and found objects, and visitors are free to experiment and create their own artworks. Professional artists and educators are on hand to provide guidance and inspiration, as well as to facilitate group projects and workshops. The studio themes change regularly to reflect the current exhibits and events in the museum, so there’s always something new and exciting to try.
Whether you’re interested in the technical side of art conservation, the logistics of collections management, or the thrill of creating your own masterpiece, the DeYoung Museum has something to offer. Go behind the scenes and discover the hidden gems of this world-class museum.