Museum of Craft and Design

Responding to your «heads up», this museum is not closed, it has been transitioning to their new location which will be open sometime in April 2013 you can access current information on their site which is active — they have had on-​going exhibitions in a variety of locations in SF since closing the Sutter St. location. Our visits to this museum and its exhibitions leave us with much to like.

«Transference» is an extremely interesting and unique exhibit currently at the Museum of Craft and Design in San Francisco at
499 Castro Street (at 18^th Street). It’s open 11 – 7 daily.
«Glass artist Andy Paiko and sound artist Ethan Rose have collaborated to create a kinetic-​sound installation that reinterprets the armonica — a musical instrument made of glass. „Transference“ presents a contemporary interpretation of the strangely ethereal sounds of the „singing wine glass“ by removing on the performer, relying on electronic composition to trigger movement, vibration, and sound in bowls mounted on walls and atop pedestals.»
(full disclosure, Andy is my son in law, but if you look at his website, you’ll agree that he is doing some AMAZING work. How about a GLASS spinning wheel that REALLY spins?
)

Very good choice of artists, and interesting installations. My only regret is the size… very small. But I guess it’s more a gallery than a museum.
The cover is actually $ 5.
Good boutique, where they were actually selling jewelries from one of the artists, + nice books and craft handbags…
If you are in the district, it definitely worth to stop by.

Ok, I am oh-​so-​biased because this museum is close to my home, but this is my favorite museum in all of San Francisco. It always has such interesting exhibits, like right now there is one called «Silver of the Stars» and the silver pieces (candle holders, coffee pots, tea pots, mugs, dishes, etc.) they have are so gorgeous, beautiful and stunning.
And the 2^nd exhibit they have is so complimentary to the first with lovely metallics in suprisingly bold colors and structures — I want to drive up to Sacramento to see these pieces (1400+) inconspicuously displayed on the side of a downtown Sacramento (3^rd & L) parking garage. You have to go check out the exhibit at the museum to understand what I’m talking about.
This museum is an absolute *GEM* and I am such a fan (I’m so lucky to live so close)! And it has the cutest gift shop where I always find cool gifts for people (and myself). ;)
And one time I popped by spontaneously and noticed they have cool art classes for kids — how cool is that? Love it!

I love this museum. They have a good variety of topics for shows. I’ve been to the last three. The current one, on silver, is excellent. Lots of interesting craftsmanship and some wildly interesting designs for tea services.
The only criticism I have is I wish it was larger. Whenever I go to an opening here (which are free, sign up for the mailing list) I feel like I’m carefully balancing between not shoving people out of the way and not falling on some beautiful art.
A great museum for anyone interested in design.

I volunteered here recently for my organizations children’s workshop. I was amazed that they let us hold a workshop in the main gallery with pens, scissors, and other art deforming supplies. One of the ladies that work here, Sara, is very nice and said that they hold other workshops for kids here during the summer. I didn’t get a good look at the current exhibition but it’s pretty interesting and visually appealing.
A pleasant museum to visit if you happen to be in the area.

Went to see the museum yesterday on free Thursday ~ the last museum I’d visited was years ago in Sevilla, Spain. Such a difference!
The exhibit was interesting in that it showed the variations in creativeness and in the layout used in advertising and product layout to attract the attention of the viewer/​customer. It’s amazing to see the ideas and like music — the message is the same but the melody isn’t!
Very small first-​floor with a tiny store to the right as you enter. The store has a lot of fascinating little items and gadgets if you want a totally one-​of-​a-​kind souvenir from San Francisco, plus there are some jewelry on display too.
I was somewhat disappointed with the exterior appearance but it was a very windy day: the entrance and tiny garden was very littered.

First time to SF Museum of Craft & Design. I went on the FREE First Thurs of the Month, regular price is $ 3 suggested donations for adults, $ 2 students & seniors 62 & older. Children/​Youth under 18 FREE.
I thought the place was colorful. I didn’t read everything and only stayed about 15 min.
They have a small store too. Bathrooms available.
Worth it if you’re in the area anyways and FREE on First Thurs always helps.

If you are a graphic designer or have an interest in graphic design, you must see the exhibit of the 12 leading graphic designers in the bay area. Very impressive work and quite a bit to take in at one time. You could easily spend 2 hours in here.
I intend to see every exhibit that passes through the museum. This is a world class venue.

Maybe the reason people dislike modern art is because they’re only allowed to consider «real» art, AKA all the infrequently inspiring thought experiments which are obscure enough not to be confused with any pedestrian or, God forbid, «commercial» art.
But in fact, isn’t commissioned and commercial art really where the most focused talent and effort goes? Yes, such art usually has an ulterior motive, whether it be the Sistine Chapel promoting the Catholic Church, or a modern-​day poster promoting Pepsi, but that’s precisely why it’s great: this kind of art has no room for self-​indulgence, it has to live or die by its ability to reach people and stick with them. I really think that in 200 years, textbooks about post-​war 20^th century art will mostly be filled with pictures of everyday promotional icons. And as for «movements» or «innovations» of the era, the alpha and the omega is easily Graphic Design (which is what the current exhibit here is all about).
I’m no design expert, so I won’t delve into analytical detail, but I just love its immediacy. And the best part by far is the poster of amusing graphs by Volume Inc (proving yet again that the medium is the message). Oh, and apparently SF is the per-​capita graphic design capital of the world. So come on over and learn about our city’s heritage!
Oh yeah, and don’t forget to visit the MOCFA while you’re here, they really only take about 90 minutes each. Hmm, maybe we could combine them into a single «Museum of Crafts Past, Present, and Future»?

Saw a fantastic show at the museum last night, called San Francisco Graphic Design. The exhibition showcases the work of 12 leading graphic designers in San Francisco, and includes an historical timeline and some other thoughtful details. The work is diverse, unique (both in content and presentation), and thoroughly enjoyable. There is almost a sense of sensory overload as every square inch of the place seems to occupy some visual treat. My only complaint is that there were just too many people at the opening. It seemed like there were several hundred in the space continually for at least three hours! A fun scene, but I will go back this weekend to see the work in greater detail.

There are a few interesting things in here, but I can’t really say it’s worth the suggested donation. Just like you’d find at an art gallery, there’s a young girl sitting at a desk at the front who does not really pay attention to you, just idly tapping away at a computer…

This is a pretty cool modern art gallery. It looks like a nuclear bunker from the outside. Its free. Very cool stuff inside. It’s too bad its so… quiet. Some kind of instrumental music would be helpful… but I could say that about pretty much every museum I’ve ever been too. The gift shop is extremely expensive.

After walking past this gem for years, last night I finally had the opportunity to check it out. There is a large lighting display in front which is powered by solar which my husband’s company had a hand in helping design… so, in we all went. What a delight!
Since this was an opening, there were drinks to be had, so I had myself a glass of bubbly (to console myself for my embarrassing performance at the gym earlier in the day… see earlier review!). There are some amazingly innovative designs displayed here now. My personal favorites are the tricycle (man! would I have loved to scoot around on this in my tricycle days!), a «self-​pollinating» console — whatever that means, a tiny little set of drawers, and my favorite of the show: a wall-​mounted gold-​plated scarab beetle which conceals a hidden jewelry case! Very, very, cool!
The crowd was predictably a mix of swanky designer-​types, art students in designer glasses, pointy shoes and all in black, and then a smattering of curious and interested folks. Everyone was very approachable. The shop is filled with fun gifts and books. I will not by-​pass this spot again. When in this neighborhood, I will most assuredly come back, give a donation, and see what new crafts and designs are on display.
Oh, and be sure and check out the motorcycle. Actually, you can’t miss it, but this is one slick ride!

For being such a petite museum they really know hoe to work the space. I recently saw the Raymond Loewy exhibit — really well done! A great topic in a space the perfect size! Just the spot to hit when you don’t have that much time but want to get a museum in!

Excellent selection of the art exhibitions!
(the donation is suggested– which helps the museum keep going!)
it’s worth of coming back to this museum for refreshing selections every now and then ;)

I’ve just discovered this museum after walking by it dozens of times. By discovered, I mean I finally went inside. I’m so dissapointed in myself that it’s taken me this long to do so, cause it’s amazing. The space is amazing, the exhibit was amazing, and the staff was amazing. The gift shop is a great resource for gits. And it’s cheap!!! $ 3 suggested donation for adults and $ 2 for students.

As part of this relatively new museum (opened in October 2004), they are offering free admission until June 2005. Their current Nouvelle Nuptials exhibit is pretty interesting, worth a stop if you are in Union Square.