de Young Museum

de Young Museum is in Golden Gate Park at 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr. at jct. John F. Kennedy Dr., following signs. It houses an outstanding collection of art from the Americas, Africa, New Guinea and Oceania. Art in America to the 20th Century, on the upper level, displays paintings, sculpture, furniture and decorative arts in spacious, high-ceilinged galleries. Among the masterpieces here are Albert Bierstadt's “California Spring,” which portrays a peacefully bucolic scene of cows grazing in a field contrasted with the fury of an approaching thunderstorm, and George Caleb Bingham's idyllic “Boatmen on the Missouri.”

The Art of New Guinea features beautifully displayed shields, ceremonial masks and carved wooden figures. Also among the de Young's more than 2,000 works are displays of 20th-century and contemporary art; Native American, Central American and South American art; Maori sculptures; textiles and costumes; photography; and murals. Major special exhibitions are presented regularly.

A highlight is the indoor observation deck at the top of the Hamon Tower. The floor-to-ceiling glass walls from this ninth-floor perspective offer great views, including San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge and downtown. The observation deck is free. Docent-led tours generally meet in Wilsey Court on the concourse level; rentals for self-paced audio tours are available near the main entrance.

Guided tours are available. Food is available.