Explore December's Must-See Art Exhibits in San Francisco Museums

A Spotlight on San Francisco's Cultural Scene This December

As the hustle and bustle of the holiday season ramps up in San Francisco, the city’s museums are not just places for quiet reflection; they are buzzing hubs of creativity and innovation. December 2025 brings a rich tapestry of exhibitions that invite locals and tourists alike to dive deep into artistic experiences that resonate with contemporary social narratives and historical significance.

Closing Soon: Don’t Miss Out!

The clock is ticking for several must-see exhibitions around the city. The 2025 Murphy and Cadogan Contemporary Art Awards Exhibition, a collaboration between the San Francisco Foundation and SOMArts, runs until December 7. This exhibition showcases a diverse array of contemporary artists, emphasizing innovation and collective experiences—all underlined by the theme of what it means to be an artist in this socio-political landscape.

Equally captivating is the “Midnight March”, featuring Masako Miki, and “stay, take your time, my love” by David Antonio Cruz, both at the Institute for Contemporary Art, which also closes on December 7. These installations delve into poignant themes of identity and community, drawing from the rich tapestry of San Francisco's diverse narrative.

Exhibitions to Look Forward To

Mark your calendar for the San Francisco Art Week from January 17 to 25, where galleries across the city will open their doors, showcasing a plethora of artistic expressions that span different mediums and cultural conversations. Another not-to-miss event is “Drawn to Venice” at the Legion of Honor, opening January 24, which promises to explore the intertwining narratives that catapult Venice into a celebrated cultural phenomenon.

Art Highlights from SFMOMA

At the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), the buzz centers around the “Alejandro Cartagena: Ground Rules” exhibition, which will be open until April 19, showcasing the poignant connection between urban landscapes and personal narratives. Another highlight is the KAWS: Family exhibition, featuring over 100 creations from the artist, available for viewing until May 3, 2026. This exhibit includes a striking 36-foot-tall inflatable sculpture on the rooftop, inviting visitors to consider how family dynamics influence contemporary art.

Engaging with the Unexpected

The exhibit (Re)Constructing History at SFMOMA provokes thoughtful interaction with history as represented through photography, encouraging audiences to dissect layers within images. In this collection, emerging Black artists reinterpret historical narratives to challenge perceptions—a timely exploration of identity politics in contemporary art. This exhibit showcases the works of artists like Carrie Mae Weems and Dawoud Bey, presenting perspectives that are often marginalized in mainstream narratives.

Unique Community Offerings

In line with public engagement, SFMOMA will host a Holiday Makers Market, offering free admission on December 7th from 10 a.m. This festive market is not only an opportunity to shop for unique local crafts but also a chance to connect with the artistic community that thrives in the Bay Area. Admission costs at SFMOMA are waived for Bay Area residents on the first Thursday of every month, making art accessible to all.

What's New at Other Museums

Over at the de Young Museum, the “Art of Manga” exhibition captures the essence of Japanese comic art, featuring influential artists and promoting dialogue about manga as a significant cultural narrative. Similarly, “Manet & Morisot” offers unprecedented insights into the dynamic between two prominent figures of the Impressionist movement, providing a window into their artistic dialogue that transcended personal relationships.

A Collective Experience Inviting Participation

Museums across San Francisco are embarking on a journey toward inclusivity, encouraging participation from all community members. The California Academy of Sciences and the Museum of the African Diaspora have also joined in on this initiative, promising unique exhibits that echo the richly diverse fabric of the Bay Area. The upcoming “Unbound: Art, Blackness, and the Universe” aims to foster a dialogue on the expansiveness of Black identity beyond traditional confines. This exhibition runs through August 16, 2026, promising to influence future conversations about art and society.

Stay Updated

Don’t miss local updates on free events, exhibitions, and more through community platforms and museum websites. As the San Francisco cultural scene continues to evolve, your engagement plays a vital role in sustaining this vibrant ecosystem.

To explore the dynamic art landscape of San Francisco and be part of the community art scene, dive into the exhibitions before they close. Such experiences not only enrich your understanding of art but also weave a collective story of a city that embraces creativity.

Join the movement to support and engage with our local art communities. Understanding local culture creates a sense of belonging and enriches the shared space we all inhabit.

For a more in-depth view into specific exhibitions or this December's events, be sure to follow along through local news updates, spotlights on cultural happenings, and interactive discussions on social platforms.