Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA) is a multi-disciplinary contemporary arts center located in San Francisco's Yerba Buena Gardens in the South of Market neighborhood. Opened in 1993, this non-collecting museum celebrates local, national, and international creators alongside the Bay Area's diverse communities. When you visit, you will experience a dynamic mix of visual art exhibits, dance productions, live music, and special events across two architectural landmark buildings—the Galleries and Forum designed by Fumihiko Maki, and the adjacent Theater designed by James Stewart Polshek and Todd Schliemann.
Art lovers can explore vibrant fine arts showcases, including solo exhibitions, immersive murals, and artist-designed community lounge spaces. YBCA also serves as the proud home of Bay Area Now, a celebrated triennial showcasing Northern California artists, giving you a direct connection to living local talent. Performance stages bring dynamic global and contemporary dance to life, alongside eclectic musical programs that frequently weave into theatrical and movement arts.
Beyond traditional arts, YBCA’s facilities have famously hosted major cultural moments, including Apple product launches and the How I Built This Summit. YBCA provides an intriguing look into contemporary creation and community-focused dialogue right in San Francisco.
What to see at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
- Two landmark architectural structures designed by Fumihiko Maki and James Stewart Polshek
- The signature Bay Area Now triennial exhibition highlighting living Northern California artists
- Diverse fine arts exhibits, solo artist showcases, and interactive lounge spaces
- Multidisciplinary dance and music performances combining global cultural styles
Visiting tips
Take time to appreciate the distinct architecture of both buildings, from Fumihiko Maki's Galleries and Forum to the adjacent Theater designed by James Stewart Polshek and Todd Schliemann.
How long: 1-3 hours · Best time: During scheduled exhibitions
How to get there & what’s nearby
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts is easy to reach on San Francisco’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our San Francisco travel guide.
See the full San Francisco travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.