Featured Events in San Francisco in March 2025 (May Updated)

Ragnar Kjartansson’s beloved video installation The Visitors (2012) is back at SFMOMA. In this mesmerizing hour-long work projected across nine screens, viewers are transported once again to the serene setting of Rokeby in upstate New York as the Icelandic artist and his musician friends perform together in various rooms of this historic mansion.

Ragnar Kjartansson’s beloved video installation The Visitors (2012) is back at SFMOMA. In this mesmerizing hour-long work projected across nine screens, viewers are transported once again to the serene setting of Rokeby in upstate New York as the Icelandic artist and his musician friends perform together in various rooms of this historic mansion.

Ragnar Kjartansson’s beloved video installation The Visitors (2012) is back at SFMOMA. In this mesmerizing hour-long work projected across nine screens, viewers are transported once again to the serene setting of Rokeby in upstate New York as the Icelandic artist and his musician friends perform together in various rooms of this historic mansion.

Table Manners brings together tableware, flatware, and drinkware from the SFMOMA Architecture + Design collection spanning nearly 100 years. The exhibition celebrates the ways design has shaped our relationship to food, our bodies, and communities, and how dining can be a profound communal and cultural experience. From self-filling wine glasses and teapots made of tea, to crisp modernist spoons and flatware made from discarded CDs, Table Manners explores the performance of dining. The exhibition includes works by Virgil Abloh, Joe Colombo, Zaha Hadid, Roberto Lugo, and many more, accompanied by illustrations and textiles by Lucy Stark.

Table Manners brings together tableware, flatware, and drinkware from the SFMOMA Architecture + Design collection spanning nearly 100 years. The exhibition celebrates the ways design has shaped our relationship to food, our bodies, and communities, and how dining can be a profound communal and cultural experience. From self-filling wine glasses and teapots made of tea, to crisp modernist spoons and flatware made from discarded CDs, Table Manners explores the performance of dining. The exhibition includes works by Virgil Abloh, Joe Colombo, Zaha Hadid, Roberto Lugo, and many more, accompanied by illustrations and textiles by Lucy Stark.

Every two years, SFMOMA celebrates Bay Area artists and our creative community with the SECA Art Award. Established in 1967, the award has honored nearly one hundred local recipients with an exhibition and platform for expanding their practices and sharing their work with new audiences. The 2024 SECA Art Award exhibition celebrates Rose D’Amato, Angela Hennessy, and Rupy C. Tut. Each artist has conceived a gallery with new works that bring distinct perspectives, processes, and materials into the museum.

Every two years, SFMOMA celebrates Bay Area artists and our creative community with the SECA Art Award. Established in 1967, the award has honored nearly one hundred local recipients with an exhibition and platform for expanding their practices and sharing their work with new audiences. The 2024 SECA Art Award exhibition celebrates Rose D’Amato, Angela Hennessy, and Rupy C. Tut. Each artist has conceived a gallery with new works that bring distinct perspectives, processes, and materials into the museum.

Every two years, SFMOMA celebrates Bay Area artists and our creative community with the SECA Art Award. Established in 1967, the award has honored nearly one hundred local recipients with an exhibition and platform for expanding their practices and sharing their work with new audiences. The 2024 SECA Art Award exhibition celebrates Rose D’Amato, Angela Hennessy, and Rupy C. Tut. Each artist has conceived a gallery with new works that bring distinct perspectives, processes, and materials into the museum.

Every two years, SFMOMA celebrates Bay Area artists and our creative community with the SECA Art Award. Established in 1967, the award has honored nearly one hundred local recipients with an exhibition and platform for expanding their practices and sharing their work with new audiences. The 2024 SECA Art Award exhibition celebrates Rose D’Amato, Angela Hennessy, and Rupy C. Tut. Each artist has conceived a gallery with new works that bring distinct perspectives, processes, and materials into the museum.

Widely recognized for his singular approach towards sound and new technologies, Samson Young (born 1979, Hong Kong; based in Hong Kong) utilizes performance, video, and installation to rigorously examine the cultural, political, and historical contexts of sound. Samson Young’s first West Coast solo exhibition debuts Intentness and songs, a multimedia installation that poetically traces the idiosyncratic rhythms of love, memory, and experiences of time. In this interconnected audiovisual landscape, Young draws on the duration and rhythm of human and generative AI memory recall processes as the basis for polychromatic sculptures, videos, and a mesmerizing soundscape. Visitors are invited to wander through pathways of wooden boards with markings created through a mix of techniques and 3D-printed boards etched and embedded with objects and memories excerpted from the lives of the artist and his husband.

Widely recognized for his singular approach towards sound and new technologies, Samson Young (born 1979, Hong Kong; based in Hong Kong) utilizes performance, video, and installation to rigorously examine the cultural, political, and historical contexts of sound. Samson Young’s first West Coast solo exhibition debuts Intentness and songs, a multimedia installation that poetically traces the idiosyncratic rhythms of love, memory, and experiences of time. In this interconnected audiovisual landscape, Young draws on the duration and rhythm of human and generative AI memory recall processes as the basis for polychromatic sculptures, videos, and a mesmerizing soundscape. Visitors are invited to wander through pathways of wooden boards with markings created through a mix of techniques and 3D-printed boards etched and embedded with objects and memories excerpted from the lives of the artist and his husband.

Looking to get away from it all? This selection of idyllic landscapes by famed Chinese ink painters, past and present, offers a perfect opportunity to escape the hectic pace of city life in the digital age. The selection on view offers a rare opportunity to enjoy a masterpiece by Ni Zan (1301-1374), a cultural icon in Chinese history, whose dry, spare brushwork evokes lyrical tranquility and a world cleansed of turmoil during the chaotic period of dynastic transition. Following the ancient Chinese tradition of mountain worship, many of these landscapes use the contours of sacred mountains and the movements of waters and clouds to embody Daoist philosophy, beckoning the viewer to engage in a personal, cultural, and spiritual communion. As mountains are personified as venerable deities, rivers become their veins; mists are their breath; foliage is their hair; and rocks are their bones.

Looking to get away from it all? This selection of idyllic landscapes by famed Chinese ink painters, past and present, offers a perfect opportunity to escape the hectic pace of city life in the digital age. The selection on view offers a rare opportunity to enjoy a masterpiece by Ni Zan (1301-1374), a cultural icon in Chinese history, whose dry, spare brushwork evokes lyrical tranquility and a world cleansed of turmoil during the chaotic period of dynastic transition. Following the ancient Chinese tradition of mountain worship, many of these landscapes use the contours of sacred mountains and the movements of waters and clouds to embody Daoist philosophy, beckoning the viewer to engage in a personal, cultural, and spiritual communion. As mountains are personified as venerable deities, rivers become their veins; mists are their breath; foliage is their hair; and rocks are their bones.

Hawks, pheasants, ducks, quail, egrets, and other birds appear frequently in Japanese paintings. With roots in the Chinese “bird and flower” genre, some are traditionally associated with a particular season or sentiment; others were chosen by artists and patrons simply for their beauty. The paintings currently on view in the Tateuchi Japanese Galleries use birds as both decorations and symbols, representing the seasons, strength, longevity, fidelity, or good fortune. They include decorative rimpa-style paintings; large, Kano-style screen paintings; and intimate hanging scrolls decorated in ink and faint colors.

Hawks, pheasants, ducks, quail, egrets, and other birds appear frequently in Japanese paintings. With roots in the Chinese “bird and flower” genre, some are traditionally associated with a particular season or sentiment; others were chosen by artists and patrons simply for their beauty. The paintings currently on view in the Tateuchi Japanese Galleries use birds as both decorations and symbols, representing the seasons, strength, longevity, fidelity, or good fortune. They include decorative rimpa-style paintings; large, Kano-style screen paintings; and intimate hanging scrolls decorated in ink and faint colors.

Conversations at a party in Oakland in 1932 changed the history of photography. At that gathering, several now-iconic Bay Area figures — including Ansel Adams, Imogen Cunningham, and Edward Weston — banded together to form Group f.64, a collective dedicated to “true” photography and the rejection of the prevailing style of Pictorialism, which mimicked painting. The group’s name was technical, referring to the camera lens setting that permits the greatest depth of field, but their mission was creative: to make photographs of startling clarity and beauty that rivaled art made in other mediums. Although Group f.64 lasted for less than a year, its legacy endured, marking the Bay Area as an epicenter for modernist photography.

Conversations at a party in Oakland in 1932 changed the history of photography. At that gathering, several now-iconic Bay Area figures — including Ansel Adams, Imogen Cunningham, and Edward Weston — banded together to form Group f.64, a collective dedicated to “true” photography and the rejection of the prevailing style of Pictorialism, which mimicked painting. The group’s name was technical, referring to the camera lens setting that permits the greatest depth of field, but their mission was creative: to make photographs of startling clarity and beauty that rivaled art made in other mediums. Although Group f.64 lasted for less than a year, its legacy endured, marking the Bay Area as an epicenter for modernist photography.

Conversations at a party in Oakland in 1932 changed the history of photography. At that gathering, several now-iconic Bay Area figures — including Ansel Adams, Imogen Cunningham, and Edward Weston — banded together to form Group f.64, a collective dedicated to “true” photography and the rejection of the prevailing style of Pictorialism, which mimicked painting. The group’s name was technical, referring to the camera lens setting that permits the greatest depth of field, but their mission was creative: to make photographs of startling clarity and beauty that rivaled art made in other mediums. Although Group f.64 lasted for less than a year, its legacy endured, marking the Bay Area as an epicenter for modernist photography.

Welcome to UFC 313: Pereira vs Ankalaev!After a historic 2024 campaign that saw him step into the Octagon three times in defense of his UFC light heavyweight title and emerge with three knockout victories, Brazilian superstar Alex Pereira begins the new year in Las Vegas with a UFC 313 main event clash against number one contender Magomed Ankalaev on March 8. A Russian powerhouse who is unbeaten for over six years, Ankalaev will now try to decipher the puzzle presented by “Poatan,” one of the most dominant champions in the world. MAIN CARD: MAIN EVENT: Alex Pereira vs. Magomed AnkalaevCO-MAIN EVENT: Justin Gaethje vs. Dan HookerJalin Turner vs. Ignacio BahamondesAmanda Lemos vs. Iasmin LucindoKing Green vs. Mauricio RuffyAbout the venue: The San Francisco Athletic Club Multiple screens, amazing sound, full bar, delicious food, hand craftes cocktails and more! This is the best watch party outside of the live event itself! Doors open for this fight at 11:30AM Important to Note: Seating is limited so early arrival is recommended. Seating is done on a first come first serve basis (no saving seats). Purchase of a general admission ticket does not guarantee you a seat. After all seats are full we will be standing room only. You will not be refunded due to seats not being available. The pay per view portions of the fights will start at 7pm but we will be showing all prelim fights starting at 3pm as well. Full bar, food, and table service is available. Information Source: San Francisco Athletic Club | eventbrite

Explore a “narrative landscape” through pages from the janamsakhi (ਜਨਮਸਾਖੀ), or life story, of Guru Nanak (1469–1539). Incorporating styles found in traditional Indian miniatures, these works depict the guru’s meetings with various figures — from poet-saints like Kabir to kings and fantastical creatures — set against a shifting background of green fields, rolling hills, and streams full of fish. While underscoring Guru Nanak’s expansive work and influence, these images also reflect Sikhism’s quest to bridge ideological and religious divides.

Skateboarding has always been about more than tricks and competitions. It is a culture rooted in rebellion, creativity, style, and the pursuit of freedom. This exhibition, curated by Jeffrey Cheung and Gabriel Ramirez, founders of the skate collective Unity, celebrates the dreams and realities of queer, trans, BIPOC, and women skaters as well as the diverse communities that have shaped the sport, despite histories of hypermasculinity and exclusionary attitudes. Meet the pioneers who broke barriers, from the first women and queer skaters to go pro, to the underground movements that encouraged inclusivity and change in skateboarding. Through skateboards that represent queer and women skaters and artists, skate publications and zines, artworks, photographs, videos, and more, the works featured here explore how communities have fostered unity through a shared ethos of passion and determination. Just as skaters who, despite injuries and setbacks, persistently attempt a trick until they land it, Unity through Skateboarding encourages us to keep pushing for a more inclusive world, both on and off the board.

Skateboarding has always been about more than tricks and competitions. It is a culture rooted in rebellion, creativity, style, and the pursuit of freedom. This exhibition, curated by Jeffrey Cheung and Gabriel Ramirez, founders of the skate collective Unity, celebrates the dreams and realities of queer, trans, BIPOC, and women skaters as well as the diverse communities that have shaped the sport, despite histories of hypermasculinity and exclusionary attitudes. Meet the pioneers who broke barriers, from the first women and queer skaters to go pro, to the underground movements that encouraged inclusivity and change in skateboarding. Through skateboards that represent queer and women skaters and artists, skate publications and zines, artworks, photographs, videos, and more, the works featured here explore how communities have fostered unity through a shared ethos of passion and determination. Just as skaters who, despite injuries and setbacks, persistently attempt a trick until they land it, Unity through Skateboarding encourages us to keep pushing for a more inclusive world, both on and off the board.

Skateboarding has always been about more than tricks and competitions. It is a culture rooted in rebellion, creativity, style, and the pursuit of freedom. This exhibition, curated by Jeffrey Cheung and Gabriel Ramirez, founders of the skate collective Unity, celebrates the dreams and realities of queer, trans, BIPOC, and women skaters as well as the diverse communities that have shaped the sport, despite histories of hypermasculinity and exclusionary attitudes. Meet the pioneers who broke barriers, from the first women and queer skaters to go pro, to the underground movements that encouraged inclusivity and change in skateboarding. Through skateboards that represent queer and women skaters and artists, skate publications and zines, artworks, photographs, videos, and more, the works featured here explore how communities have fostered unity through a shared ethos of passion and determination. Just as skaters who, despite injuries and setbacks, persistently attempt a trick until they land it, Unity through Skateboarding encourages us to keep pushing for a more inclusive world, both on and off the board.

The Masako Martha Suzuki Teahouse is a tranquil and refreshing highlight of the Tateuchi Japanese galleries. Located in the Henri and Tomoye Takahashi Gallery and designed by architect Sato Osamu (b. 1931), the beloved teahouse features a display of collection objects that changes seasonally. The teahouse currently offers examples of rustic ceramics including a tea bowl, freshwater jar, and flower vase by renowned artist Tsujimura Shiro (b. 1947), curated by Associate Curator of Japanese Art Yuki Morishima. In the alcove, a hanging scroll by Chuho Sou (1760–1838), the 418th chief priest of Daitokuji Temple in Kyoto, bears a three-character inscription reading Muichimotsu: “All things are nothingness.” The phrase is a Zen Buddhist reminder to free oneself from desire and attachments — an appropriate message for a tea gathering, and an intriguing thought to consider while enjoying the teahouse’s atmosphere of minimalist serenity.

Amy Sherald quickly came to the public eye with her portraits of former US President Barack Obama and his wife. She defined her portrait subjects as "Americans" to express that black people are also an integral part of American identity. The nearly 50 paintings on display continue her figurative representation of the black experience, placing the characters in historically typical and everyday environments, inviting the audience to participate in a more complex debate about the recognized concept of American identity.

Reaching new heights with both its influential style and its staggering auction prices, the work of Qi Baishi (Chinese, 1864–1957) remains an inspiration to audiences worldwide. Blending expertly minimal brushwork with passages of abstraction, Qi changed the course of traditional Chinese painting. His ink paintings capture everyday scenes and familiar moments, evoking the essential beauty of nature and the joy of life’s simple pleasures.In 1960, the de Young Museum presented a solo exhibition of Qi Baishi’s art in San Francisco, a recognition no other Chinese artist had previously achieved in the U.S. More recently, his paintings have set multimillion-dollar records as the most expensive Chinese artworks ever sold at auction. But throughout his lifetime, Qi maintained a down-to-earth sensibility rooted in his humble origins as a peasant carpenter — even as he rose to international prominence.

Reaching new heights with both its influential style and its staggering auction prices, the work of Qi Baishi (Chinese, 1864–1957) remains an inspiration to audiences worldwide. Blending expertly minimal brushwork with passages of abstraction, Qi changed the course of traditional Chinese painting. His ink paintings capture everyday scenes and familiar moments, evoking the essential beauty of nature and the joy of life’s simple pleasures.In 1960, the de Young Museum presented a solo exhibition of Qi Baishi’s art in San Francisco, a recognition no other Chinese artist had previously achieved in the U.S. More recently, his paintings have set multimillion-dollar records as the most expensive Chinese artworks ever sold at auction. But throughout his lifetime, Qi maintained a down-to-earth sensibility rooted in his humble origins as a peasant carpenter — even as he rose to international prominence.

Reaching new heights with both its influential style and its staggering auction prices, the work of Qi Baishi (Chinese, 1864–1957) remains an inspiration to audiences worldwide. Blending expertly minimal brushwork with passages of abstraction, Qi changed the course of traditional Chinese painting. His ink paintings capture everyday scenes and familiar moments, evoking the essential beauty of nature and the joy of life’s simple pleasures.In 1960, the de Young Museum presented a solo exhibition of Qi Baishi’s art in San Francisco, a recognition no other Chinese artist had previously achieved in the U.S. More recently, his paintings have set multimillion-dollar records as the most expensive Chinese artworks ever sold at auction. But throughout his lifetime, Qi maintained a down-to-earth sensibility rooted in his humble origins as a peasant carpenter — even as he rose to international prominence.

Reaching new heights with both its influential style and its staggering auction prices, the work of Qi Baishi (Chinese, 1864–1957) remains an inspiration to audiences worldwide. Blending expertly minimal brushwork with passages of abstraction, Qi changed the course of traditional Chinese painting. His ink paintings capture everyday scenes and familiar moments, evoking the essential beauty of nature and the joy of life’s simple pleasures.In 1960, the de Young Museum presented a solo exhibition of Qi Baishi’s art in San Francisco, a recognition no other Chinese artist had previously achieved in the U.S. More recently, his paintings have set multimillion-dollar records as the most expensive Chinese artworks ever sold at auction. But throughout his lifetime, Qi maintained a down-to-earth sensibility rooted in his humble origins as a peasant carpenter — even as he rose to international prominence.