San Francisco residents who receive public benefits now have the added benefit of free museum admissions this summer.

The city plans to launch San Francisco Museums for All, a new city-sponsored program that will offer free entrance to more than 15 city museums and cultural institutions, including the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the de Young Museum, and the California Academy of Sciences, Mayor London Breed announced Wednesday, May 22.

Anyone who receives assistance through the Human Services Agency will qualify for free entry for up to four family members by presenting an Electronic Benefits Card or Medi-Cal card along with proof of residency. This can reap a savings of up to $150 in waived admission charges.

“All San Franciscans, regardless of their income, should have access to the art and culture institutions that San Francisco has to offer,” said Breed in a statement. “This partnership will help ensure that no one is priced out, and help provide opportunities for our children to remain engaged even when school is out for the summer.”

The program runs June 1 through Sept. 1, and more than 210,000 San Franciscans are eligible. It is being co-sponsored by the Office of the Mayor and the Financial Justice Project run by Treasurer Jose Cisneros.

“No San Franciscan should be excluded from our amazing museums and cultural institutions because of the size of their wallet,” said Cisneros. “We all benefit when all San Franciscans, regardless of income, can participate in the cultural life of our city.”

There is no financial burden for the city to operate the program, Breed said. The museums will bear the cost.

The free summer museums are part of a statewide trend toward eliminating admission fees. The Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles recently announced it would eliminate its $15 general admission charge for all patrons. A $10 million donation will make up the difference.

For a list of participating museums, go to sfmuseumsforall.com.



