Several notable exhibitions and events are set to launch across San Francisco’s museums in November 2025, showcasing a diverse range of artistic expressions and interactive experiences. The cultural landscape of the city is vibrant, with activities catering to art enthusiasts and families alike.
Piet Zwart: Brand Architect opens on November 8 at the Letterform Archive, celebrating the influence of the Dutch designer on modern graphic design. The exhibition will feature an opening reception on November 22, alongside a sign painting workshop running from November 1 to November 9. This nonprofit arts center continues to engage visitors with innovative programming, including Localization: 15 Years of LetterSeed, which explores Korean typography, a notable addition that opened in mid-August.
At the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), several exciting exhibitions are on the horizon. Kaws: Family opens on November 15, while Alejandro Cartagena: Ground Rules will debut on November 22. Additionally, the exhibition Yayoi Kusama: Aspiring to Pumpkin’s Love, the Love in My Heart will close on November 2, marking the end of a popular engagement with Kusama’s celebrated work.
A unique event, Welcome Winter Night, is set for November 22 at the California Academy of Sciences. This one-night-only celebration will feature two baby reindeer, a naming contest, and various magical activities. The newly renovated Wilson Family Nature Lab, which opened in mid-October, offers hands-on learning experiences for visitors, enriching the museum’s offerings.
In addition to these exhibitions, SFMOMA is highlighting the winners of the “Big Picture” competition, emphasizing contemporary artistry. Visitors can also explore Jitish Kallat: Covering Letter (Terranum Nuncius), which invites reflection on shared human experiences, alongside This Asian American Life, a poignant work by artist Kayan Chung displayed on the Hyde Street Art Wall.
The Legion of Honor will host the much-anticipated exhibition Manet and Morisot, providing a rare opportunity to explore the dialogue between these two influential French painters. This exhibition promises to deepen understanding of their artistic relationships and contributions to the art world.
Another notable exhibition, Ferlinghetti for San Francisco, draws from the museum’s extensive collection of prints, etchings, and lithographs. This homage to the late poet and activist Lawrence Ferlinghetti highlights his significant impact on the literary and artistic culture of the city.
For those interested in contemporary art, the Tenderloin Museum is undergoing an expansion, set to increase its size from 3,000 to 10,000 square feet. This expansion will include a new room dedicated to San Francisco’s neon history, showcasing artifacts from the iconic Hunt’s Donuts, which was once a staple of the Mission District.
The de Young Museum has also unveiled new exhibitions, including Art of Manga, which opened recently and promises to immerse visitors in the visual language of manga. Artist Rose B. Simpson presents her exhibit LEXICON, which will be available until 2026, showcasing her unique approach to Native American ceramics.
As the cultural calendar fills with these dynamic exhibitions and events, San Francisco continues to affirm its status as a hub of artistic innovation. Visitors are encouraged to explore these enriching experiences, many of which offer free or reduced admission on specific days, ensuring accessibility to a wide audience. For detailed information regarding admission and specific event schedules, it is advisable to check the respective museum websites.