Art museum
San Francisco Art Institute
21 locals recommend,
Permanently closed
Why locals recommend it
The San Francisco Art Institute (SFAI) is the oldest fine art school on the West Coast, founded in 1871 and located in a classic Mediterranean style building. Inside the Diego Rivera Gallery, which houses weekly student art shows with openings on Tuesday evenings, there is an epic three-story mural by Rivera, which was once covered up as it was deemed by the school’s administration to be too Communist-friendly. There is also a beautiful courtyard with rotating student artwork outside of the gallery. From the building’s roof you can take in the amazing panoramic views of downtown and the bay. There is also a public café on campus open for breakfast and lunch. Also close by is Café Sapore, a great café with a big food menu, and Kennedy’s Pub, which has over 100 beers on tap.
Andrew
November 4, 2016
Tips from locals
Sharon
August 28, 2019
Wonderful campus. Diego Rivera murals. I studied photography here.
Jessica & Marc
May 20, 2018
BEAUTIFUL DIEGO RIVERA MURAL Good views of the city from the art institute
Catherine & Christian
August 20, 2017
The school has two galleries open to the public—in a historic building with great modern brutalist addition. The Diego Rivera Gallery has a mural by Rivera and shows student work. The Walter McBean Gallery shows significant local artists.
Ellen B
November 11, 2018
Diego Murals and a great view of the bay.
Jeana
May 7, 2017
Great to go to the cafe and hang out on the rooftop for the best views of Alcatraz, Berkeley and Oakland. Or go to the library for some great reads and info. Many good art openings and galleries and you can wander around all the studios anytime.
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Location
800 Chestnut St
San Francisco, CA
Russian Hill