Tickets
Museum Hours
Thu: 1 PM–8 PM
Fri–Mon: 10 AM–5 PM
Tue–Wed: Closed
Location
200 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
415.581.3500
Tickets

Know Before You Go

Frequently Asked Questions for Murakami: Monsterized Visitors

Tickets 

What ticket do I need to see Takashi Murakami: Swelling of Monsterized Human Ego?  

  • You must reserve a timed ticket for Murakami. General Admission does not include access to this special exhibition. 

What does a Murakami ticket include?  

What does a General Admission ticket include? 

  • Collection galleries and other exhibitions on view, excluding Murakami

Can I just pay to see the special exhibition?  

  • No; all tickets for Murakami include the cost of General Admission. 
  • Museum members enjoy unlimited free admission to all exhibitions, including Murakami. Become a member today. 

Why are tickets timed?  

  • Timed ticketing allows us to minimize crowding and wait times. 

What if I arrive later than the time on my ticket?  

  • While we cannot guarantee entry if the exhibition space is at capacity, we will do our best to accommodate late arrivals. 

I qualify for discounted tickets; how do I reserve tickets?  

  • Discounted and complimentary tickets are limited to walk-up availability. Tickets for Murakami are timed, but all time slots are available once we are open. We recommend arriving at the museum early to reserve a time slot and enjoy the other exhibitions before and after your entry time. If tickets for Murakami are sold out on the day of your visit, you will still have access to other exhibitions on view as well as our collection galleries. 

The website says sold out; is it still possible to reserve tickets?  

  • If presale tickets have sold out, we have a limited number of walk-up tickets available each day. These tickets are available for same-day purchase only. Tickets are timed, but all time slots are available once we are open. 
  • Along with unlimited free admission to special exhibitions and the permanent collection, members also receive invitations to private viewing hours, priority ticketing, and an array of additional benefits. (Learn more about membership or email [email protected].)  

Visiting 

How long will it take to see Murakami?  

  • We recommend allowing at least one hour to enjoy the full experience. 

How long will it take to see the whole museum?  

  • While visit duration varies widely depending on the individual, most visitors take a minimum of approximately two to three hours to see the entire museum (including the collection galleries and Murakami). 
  • Museum membership allows you to take your time and come back again for unlimited free admission to all exhibitions, including Murakami. Become a member today. 

Extended Hours 

  • The museum will be extending hours of operation on select days exclusively for guests to enjoy this special exhibition:  
  • Guests will have access to Murakami and the Cha May Ching Boutique during extended hours. The collection galleries, terrace, and restaurant will be closed.  
  • Friday – Monday: last entry to Murakami is 4 p.m. (5 p.m. on extended days).  
  • Thursday Nights: last entry to Murakami is 7 p.m. Thursdays in December: The museum will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday Nights will resume in January. 

Can I leave the museum and re-enter that same day? 

  • Yes. The museum allows same-day re-entry with your original ticket. 
  • Re-entry to a ticketed special exhibition is based on capacity and cannot be guaranteed. 

Do the galleries stay open after you close?  

  • No, guests are ushered out when we close. 

Are photos and videos allowed?  

  • Non-commercial photography is allowed in Murakami and in our collection galleries, as long as the camera’s flash is turned off. Selfie sticks, tripods, and other telescopic devices are not allowed inside the museum. 
  • Visitors to Murakami are encouraged to share their experience on social media using #MurakamiMonsterized. 

Accessibility questions  

Children & Families 

Children visit for free; do they still need tickets?  

  • Tickets are required for all guests. Please reserve tickets for all guests in your party, including children of all ages. There is no charge for children’s tickets. 

Is Murakami suitable for all ages?  

  • Yes, the Murakami exhibition is family-friendly. (Please note: the painting Judgement Day includes a small section of non-explicit nudity.)
  • Enjoy activities for all ages related to this exhibition in the Shriram Experiential Learning Center. 

Does the Asian Art Museum have a restaurant?  

  • The Asian Art Museum is thrilled to partner with Asian Box to bring the restaurant’s mouth-watering menu of fast-casual fare to the museum’s first floor. Asian Box is open during regular museum hours and will not be open during extended Murakami hours.