CIVIC CENTER. The Asian Art Museum of San Francisco is one of the largest museums in the Western world devoted exclusively to Asian art. Its holdings began with the generous donations of collector Avery Brundage, and now, the facility houses nearly 15,000 treasures that span 6000 years of history. More than 2500 extraordinary works are displayed at any one time. Together they constitute a comprehensive introduction to Asia's major cultures, including those of India, Tibet, China, Japan and Korea. The museum is located in the city's former Main Library.

LINCOLN PARK. The structure that houses this museum is as beautiful as the artwork within. The extensive collection features works from the 13th to the 20th centuries, including those by Monet, Manet, Rubens, Van Gogh, Picasso, Seurat, and other European artists. Earlier works date from approximately 2500 B.C. An original cast of Rodin's "The Thinker" dominates the museum entrance.

SOMA. First envisioned in 1984, this museum gained prominence following support from Charles M. Schulz, creator of the "Peanuts" comic strip. In 1987, the museum established a home in Yerba Buena Gardens, the city's art center. The facility now offers nearly 6,000 original items, including comic books, comic strips, and computer animation. It's also the only museum of its kind west of the Mississippi. Several major exhibitions are held each year, and a bookstore is available to visitors.

RICHMOND DISTRICT. First opened in 1895, the de Young is San Francisco's oldest, most diversified art museum. In late 2005, after many months of renovation, the facility reopened with a new, copper-clad exterior and updated, newly fashioned exhibits. The museum's collections feature primarily American art from the colonial period to the mid 20th century, but you'll also find textiles, crafts and decorative arts, not to mention extensive collections of African, Oceanic and pan-American art.

MARINA DISTRICT. [NOTE: GALLERIES AT THE FORT MASON CENTER ARE CURRENTLY CLOSED DURING CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW BUILDING. CHECK THE WEBSITE FOR A LIST OF INTERIM PROGRAMS IN THE COMMUNITY.] You'll discover a small but pleasing display of Mexican cultural items at this museum. Pieces represent Mexico's entire history, from pre-conquest to the contemporary era. The permanent collection also adds art of the Americas to the variety of Mexican art. The excellent gift shop promises terrific gifts and mementos, and the museum sponsors a tour of murals around San Francisco.