Asian Art Museum of San Francisco

Asian Art Museum of San Francisco at 200 Larkin St. at Civic Center Plaza, is home to a world-renowned collection of more than 18,000 art treasures spanning some 6,000 years of history—including dynamic contemporary installations—all housed in galleries, an expansive exhibition pavilion and outdoor art terrace.

Masterpieces on view range from the oldest dated Chinese Buddha and an ancient bronze rhinoceros to a gilded Burmese devotional throne. Indonesian puppets and bejeweled krises (daggers) share the story of cross-cultural pollination, and a glowing treasury of imperial jades is an eternal highlight. Bamboo baskets are featured alongside Japanese screens and scroll paintings, while nearby is an excellently preserved collection of rare Korean celadons from a millennium ago. An extravagant 19th-century silver elephant saddle, or howdah, from India once functioned as a ceremonial conveyance for royalty is also on display.

On Thursday, the museum opens and closes late. During these evenings, visitors can peruse the galleries, meet artists, listen to talks and enjoy special entertainment.

Guided tours are available. Food is available. Time: Allow 2 hours minimum.