Museum of the African Diaspora

442 reviews

685 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94105

www.moadsf.org

+14153587200

About

Museum of the African Diaspora is a Art museum located at 685 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94105. It has received 442 reviews with an average rating of 4.4 stars.

Photos

Hours

Monday11AM-6PM
Tuesday11AM-6PM
Wednesday11AM-6PM
Thursday12-5PM
FridayClosed
SaturdayClosed
Sunday11AM-6PM

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The address of Museum of the African Diaspora: 685 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94105

  • Museum of the African Diaspora has 4.4 stars from 442 reviews

  • Art museum

  • "Beyond its exhibits and events, the Museum of the African Diaspora is also committed to promoting dialogue and understanding among people of all backgrounds"

    "All the staff were very nice"

    "Could have been MUCH better"

    "Small art exhibit featuring Black culture"

    "It wasn't what I expected I was hoping to learn about the diaspora and it's people and what came from it and the great leaders, educators, musicians, etc"

Reviews

  • Benny Gause

Beyond its exhibits and events, the Museum of the African Diaspora is also committed to promoting dialogue and understanding among people of all backgrounds. The museum offers educational programs and outreach initiatives that aim to foster greater awareness and appreciation of the African diaspora and its ongoing impact on the world. Overall, the Museum of the African Diaspora is a vital cultural institution that offers a unique and important perspective on the global African experience. Whether you're a history buff, an art lover, or simply looking to broaden your understanding of the world, this museum is definitely worth a visit.
Visited on
Public holiday
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
Not sure

  • Sara Diamond

All the staff were very nice. I'm an elementary teacher here in SF, and I went down there to get some ideas for Black History month- the women at the front desk were very helpful and told me about a free workshop for educators the next day. I can't say enough about the exhibits on the 2nd and 3rd floors- Feb 5 2015- The art was so beautiful and amazing that for the first time I envied the security guards who got to look at it all day. I am so glad I went to the MOAD - I didn't realize how cutting edge, beautiful and inspiring that place is. I will definitely become a member to support such an important place. Im proud SF has this really fantastic art and educational museum here!

  • providence destiny

Could have been MUCH better. Very friendly staff and cutting-edge layout... but the pieces fell FAR BELOW my expectations. I was expecting to see more HISTORICAL pieces, artifacts and depictions of Africa. Instead, they displayed some pretty lame art pieces. I'm no fan of "art", if I were I would have gone to an ART museum. I was somehow under the impression the displays would be from a more HISTORICAL ARTIFACTS perspective -- kinda like the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum in San Jose, just on a wider "African Diaspora" scale like the museum name depicts. Oh well, other than the boring "art" pieces, everything else about the place was nice (setting, staff, cleanliness, etc).

  • Jeanette

Small art exhibit featuring Black culture. There are 3 floors that could be seen thoroughly in about an hour. You do need proof of vaccination with ID to enter. Visiting here from Florida, I was excited to see the nod on the term "jitt" on one of the pieces. Exhibits were well lit and spatially aware. Tiny gift shop was primarily composed of books. Not sure if it was a special occasion, but they were giving out free merchandise at the end of your visit. Glad I was able to make the visit.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • n/a n/a

It wasn't what I expected I was hoping to learn about the diaspora and it's people and what came from it and the great leaders, educators, musicians, etc... I was hoping to learn about where the diaspora took the people of Africa. What the ancestors of the diaspora might look like in the modern world. I was hoping to be enlightened. I had so much hope and interest in going here and I was like WTF I want to learn but I'm not and just confused. I wanted to learn about where people went and the migration from those places and current bday people.

  • Adam (Lolo)

The Museum of the African Diaspora is worth a visit if you're willing to linger awhile, to think, and reflect on the art. There isn't much to look at but at the same time there is a lot to look for. I appreciate how they featured a few artists and showcased a good selection of their works. It felt like there was an opportunity to get a deeper look into the mentality of the artist and to see what they value as important. I've only visited once so far, but, I feel like it may be a place worth visiting again once they change out their exhibits.

  • Bee Chrite

Easily, hands down one of the cutest, most educational AA museums I’ve ever been to. I love learning about my culture, and seeing different artists that I would’ve never known about. I love the cute bookstore and the levels to the place. I love how it made me feel and I love how much I learned. What a great place! I truly can’t wait to go back.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$11–15

  • Dasasin Johnson

This place was interesting. The people working there seemed nice and smiled often. The "art" itself was kind of hit and miss. Some of them I really loved and some seemed sorta pointless. Now I get that art is highly subjective and I likely wouldn't like all of the art at any place, but some things really just felt like nothing. Also there was an augmented reality section outside on the second floor, but it didn't work. So all in all I liked it but didn't love it.

  • Brandon Smith

I visited the Museum of the African Diaspora on the second Saturday of the month. This is important because it is free on that weekend. The staff were great and accommodating. The exhibits were informative in reference to the artist and messages the art are seeking to convey. I enjoyed my experience and I encourage people to visit and donate to the museum.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

  • J. Williams

Loved it! Went during MLK Day for free entry, and it was worth the trek from East Bay and the line (waited about 35 minutes to get in). There are some pieces that they ask you not to take photos of, so please keep an eye out for those signs. Spent about 1.5 hours there even with lingering over some stuff, so this is a nice activity is you have a few hours or want to have a fun date with lunch/dinner!

  • Edwin Touré Pégnougo

This is a place you have to visit in San Francisco. Beautiful and modern museum. The staff is so welcoming and nice. They kindly guide through the process but they definitely let you enjoy and explore. I was really impressed by the "The Theard That Bind" created by the emerging artist Cynthia Aurora Brannvall. The masterpieces make you think, rethink and want to no more about "US". Great work!

  • LT Reed Adjei

The exhibits here are always engaging. I went a couple weeks back and on exhibit was fascinating art work reflecting a noble Nigerian family. There was also a nice exhibit related to this idea of home and the relevance of home to a person's sense of identity. Very interesting. It's a must see and admission is relatively low! Just $10 for adults and $5 for students with student ID.

  • Paul Pommells

It's a beautiful museum right around the corner from the Museum of Moderm Art. It's a bit small. The first floor is mostly a gift shop. The exhibits are on the second and third floors. To their credit the collection of art was stunning. I appreciate that they took care to collect art from the different places where the diaspora had gone - it gave the museum a global feel.

  • Nathan Gildart

A small but interesting 2-floor museum. They had a great photo exhibit with a short documentary video on Black Dandyism - something new to me. I learned a lot. The third floor had a Grace Jones' influences exhibit, also an interesting exhibit. Inexpensive at $10. Won't take more than 45 minutes. Check up on what's on display before going, but worth stopping by.

  • Sheila Snell

Beautiful art exhibits. Polished and exquisite and tastefully done. Billie Zengawa art is beautiful and novice. She is featured in the November/December edition of Essence Magazine, which speaks volumes to the museums taste.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
$6–10

  • Ray Zhong

I really had high expectation for this but have to say am a bit let down. I anticipated it to be more introductory than directly going into contemporary art. Very small. Only three floors. First floor has some VR gadget. On second and third floor more video exhibition than other form. There are some good pieces too but overall not many.

  • Darnius T.

An amazing space to explore, think, and learn. Beautifully curated, MoAD celebrates the power, wisdom, brilliance, and curiosity of artists that are reclaiming Black! This is a must visit place for allies of humanity!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

  • Jennifer Gray

I was WOWED by the 2 exhibits I saw today on my first visit ever to MOAD:Amoako Boafo (stunning, dramatic painted portraits) and Billie Zangewa (silk fabric collages that LOOK like paintings from a distance.) I regret it has taken me so long to appreciate this sometimes-overlooked gem of a museum. Proud to say I am now a member!

  • Sanskruti Kolpe

It is an incredible museum. One can learn many things about African communities. It’s fun to explore how different communities celebrate festivals. The museum gives a gist of few festivals. This museum offers free passes to SF public library members. The membership to library is free if you are a San Francisco resident.

  • Kim Rutley

This was an exceptional experience. The art exhibits were amazing. Additionally, the customer service experience was par excellent. I found it fitting to become a member immediately.I am looking forward to my next visit.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Ron Nieberding

A hidden gem. While it’s a small museum often overshadowed by the nearby SFMOMA, YBCA and JCM, you will find stuff here you are unlike to find anywhere else in San Francisco. Emerging artists, contemporary African art, skillfully handed political themes …. Highly recommend.

  • Alex Barrett-Shorter

This is a thoughtfully curated museum. This exhibits were beautiful and profound. The prices for admission were very reasonable, and they also offer senior/student discounts. I would recommend this museum for weekend plans with friends or as a pre-dinner date!

  • Ashley Grenstone

It's a really great museum with a good focus on bringing new artists to the scene. Plus the staff are really nice! The layout of the building is well organized and the exhibits are accessible. Definitely recommended as a must see if you're visiting San Fran.

  • Anne Gross Ayankoya

It was very informational riveting self guided but easy to follow wonderful pictures fabulous back story and incredibly talented artist..
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$11–15

  • Thea Matthews

Love love love MoAD! The museum always features inspiring provocative exhibits. The location is accessible. This museum is a definite must-see when coming to SF Bay Area.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Sheila Mendoza

The Black Venus exhibition (APR 5 - AUG 20, 2023) was fascinating and thought-provoking. Looking forward to future exhibitions.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
$11–15

  • Sofia T

It's a cool museum, pretty small but tickets are cheap. They had a lot of vogue like photography, which just isn't my personal favorite style. My favorite exhibit there was probably the religious one, which was in my opinion more experimental

  • Sietse Goffard

An SF gem! Especially loved the exhibits by Amoako Boafo and Billie Sangewa, whose colorful painted portraits and stitched silk collages are powerful explorations of Black identity
Wait time
No wait
Price for adult entry
$11–15

  • K. M.

Recently reopened with new exhibition Joe Sam. It was nicely set up and presented. Several floors (stairs or elevator available) and different viewing places such as a mini theater and music/projection on the wall. Teen local artists' works

  • Sam P.

One of my favorite museums ever. There is such a wide range of aesthetic forms and I love how the museum feels both intimate and expansive. It's a true San Francisco gem, and one of those museums I wish I could spend forever in. More

  • Bianca Bee

It had just opened back up the day I visited. I enjoyed the exhibits and the moments of quiet reflection.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
$11–15

  • Franck PIERRE

Nice museum but I don't see any direct relation with "diaspora" . Expensive versus French - Paris museums.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$6–10

  • Torrey Rogers

Got an opportunity to see the New Vanguard exhibit. It was really good. It will be there until March 2023
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$21–30

  • Elena Dobre

I think there is a great occasion to show more about the African diaspora in this museum. However I felt it was a lot of space wasted and not used to talk more about a culture so rich and developed. Entrance ticket is 10$.

  • Jeru Fend

The photo "Door of No Return" by Trina Robinson - made me weep openly. I cannot stress the importance of this museum enough, truly.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

  • Macy M

Great art museum, usually have 2-3 exhibits at a time. Really close to MoMA SF so swing by.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$11–15

  • Angel Xu

It gives you a peep into only a small part of the culture...especially the carnaval influenced by multiple cultures. Not recommending to someone expecting a full understanding of the complete African history/art

  • Josh Kuempel

This place is pretty cool. Not big but a nice space, and a well curated collection. Very high production values, they obviously spent money on the place and it shows. Could use more interactive exhibits however.

  • Steve F. Pennington

I can describe this museum as "moving", nothing less. Although I am interested in the topic, I am sure that people who end up as visitors here by accident never regard this "accident" as a mistake. Do visit.

  • Kacey Hadick

The museum is very small and if you are looking to while away a few hours here you might want to pair this with the MoMA next door. The exhibit on Carnevale was interesting but again not very extensive.

  • Photojim SF

I especially enjoyed the "Black Is Beautiful" exhibit in spring 2020 featuring photographs from the 50's and 60's by Kwame Brathwaite. Only four stars because the museum could, no should be much bigger.

  • sylvie shand

Beautiful contemporary building, interesting exhibitions, always make me think, not my sensibility though, each time there were a lot of portraits. I would like to see more diverse forms of expression.

  • Makena Gadient

Really fantastic museum. I try to come every time I'm in San Francisco because they have such great new and exciting work. They also seem to highlight some interesting performance based work. Love it.

  • Matthew Ryan

Cozy museum featuring incredible works of art. We are so lucky to have this museum finally in SF and I look forward to the next installation—maybe we can convince Kehinde Wiley to come our way? ;)

  • Nicole Wright

Very interesting and refreshing to see some of the artworks that's were on display, which included visual arts. I enjoyed the museum and will definitely revisit if or when I am in the area.

  • Alexey Anoshko

Great small museum, a lot of great exhibitions, lovely bookstore, and just amazingly friendly personal
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • in hac lacrimarum Vale

A small museum, with simple but very powerfully curated images.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$11–15

  • Dana Pesavento

Visited on Saturday, March 11 at 1 pm, and it was closed with no explanation sign or information on their phone message or website. Poor service to patrons.
Visited on
Weekend

  • LADY LIZ

Great place to visit with family kids and significant other
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

  • Shakarri Haynes

I love this place. Never knew it existed although I was born and raised in San Francisco. Ms. Remy was out tour guide for my 3rd grade class field trip. She's wonderful.

  • g Bernard Wandel

Tiny museum 3 floors of well executed space Friendly staff no actual coat check but I could leave my belongings (I just got off the plane) and roam free Highly recommend

  • Michael Zhang

Contemporary focused museum with featured exhibits from post 20th century Recommended viewing time: 1-2 hours
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait

  • Mikayla W

Beautiful building with modern exhibits.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$6–10

  • Stephen Schur

If you plan your visit, you might experience a free performance. The dioramas and multi-media are informative. Don't miss the exhibits upstairs, either.

  • Candace Watts

Small well organized and executed space!! I enjoyed every single piece. The manager, Ms. Lopez, was excellent. She provided superb customer service!!

  • Mirna El-Sayed

A great museum where culture and tradition meets diversity and inclusion. I will visit again soon!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

  • Jerell Gill

3 floors of diverse content. The Jimi Hendrix exhibition was a highlight, and although I didn't get to see all of it, the documentary was engaging.

  • Mark Gacoka

Has great art from both Africa and prominent African American artists which changes every 3 or 4 months. Great place to learn about black history.

  • Shelby Haacke

Awesome place. Friendly staff. Locker to put stuff in(free). Watch movies. Watch people on the street. Learning about different cultures is cool!

  • K Apara

Gorgeous! Everything is curated exceptionally well.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Price for adult entry
Free

  • Daisy Yang

I appreciate the museum helps build culture identity, yet quite small exhibition scale and depth given it is a three floor building

  • Elsie Militar

Beautiful museum with a great collections year round. They also partner with SFJAZZ to host classes at the museum. Staff is great.

  • Mark Gilbert

Small museum in a terrific building. You can see the entire place without getting tired. Exhibits were varied and interesting.

  • Anne Bliss

I really enjoyed the interactive exhibits and being able to read more about the inspiration/background of the artists.

  • lapree barber

I have never been disappointed with any exhibit. This a great place to expose my youth to contemporary black artist.

  • Shareef Pratt

The only thing I don't understand is why are their European tour guides Like there's no black tour guides available

  • A Nguyen-Ozarslan

It was alright. I love the idea of this museum and I would like to see more exhibits. Only two when i went there.

  • SM Se

This is a great museum. we only paid 5$ each because we are students. I really enjoyed the grace Jones exhibit!

  • Patrick Au-Yeung

Small museum with three floors of exhibits. The layout is simple and always enjoy the artwork on display.

  • Lisa Rydje

Amazing art on the top floor. Was a bit smaller than I expected but overall it was a great experience.

  • Kelly Colwell

This small gem of a museum was a great visit. Lovely art exhibits on two floors and beautiful design.

  • Alex Powers

This is the best museum I have been to in San Francisco! The finest art in all of the Bay Area!

  • Coy Gibson

I wish there were more exhibits, really not a whole lot of exhibits here

  • ICA M

Beautiful art. Good price and free admissions on MLK Day every year.

  • Mercedes Thomas

Beatiftul museum with beautiful experiences. Wish there were more.

  • Fanny Garcia

My friend just had a show here! Check out her work Chanell Stone

  • Sharon Eliason

I loved the augmented reality series. This is a cool museum.

  • Kristin G

A small but well curated museum. Highly recommend.

  • Patty Wimpfheimer

Such a beautiful hidden treasure in the city

  • Linda I.

Truly enjoyed our time at this museum

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