San Francisco, a city of spectacular topography and cosmopolitan charm, now also boasts a formidable art scene. A burst of activity occurred in 1995 with the opening of the Museum of Modern Art’s signature building by Mario Botta, and this was reignited a decade later with the inauguration of the new de Young Museum by Herzog & de Meuron. Expansion by other museums, invigorating architectural and urban renewal projects, cutting-edge exhibitions at alternative spaces and art schools, a new generation of artists and galleries, intriguing public art commissions, and the arrival of prestigious design stores have further enhanced the scope and character of the city’s arts profile.

This informative guide provides all you need to know and then some about renowned and little-known places of interest. Coverage of Marin, Napa, Sonoma, the East Bay, the Peninsula, and San Jose makes it a truly comprehensive resource on the entire Bay Area.