Installation piece at the de Young Museum in San Francisco

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W San Francisco

Hotel Zelos San Francisco

The St. Regis San Francisco

[Flickr/CRASH:candy]

The youthful city of San Francisco is known for its wacky politics, creative spirit, and out-there artistry—the Burning Man festival started on a beach right here in the City. Here are a few museums that capture and display modern art that reflects San Francisco:

: Friends and locals call this downtown art museum – with an uptown reputation and collection – the SFMOMA (you’ll see the acronym on signs all over downtown SF). Its galleries full of funky furniture, colorful photos, splashy paintings, and bizarre yet beautiful multimedia installations have been known to delight and occasionally disgust visitors. Whether you love modern art or hate it, the SFMOMA’s collections and exhibitions are always entertaining. SFMOMA lies right in the midst of the Yerba Buena Garden art district, easily accessible from the W San Francisco hotel. 151 Third Street (btwn Mission & Howard)

: Even from a distance, it’s clear that the this big, blocky, landmark has a modern vibe. The art inside ranges from around the world and across the last few centuries; the contemporary American fine arts, graphic arts, and decorative crafts collections are particularly gorgeous. Check out the room-and-museum-tickets package deal offered by the Hotel Palomar. 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive

: Film, television, music, and performing arts may be the most recognizable forms of creative art in the 21st century, and the Yerba Buena Center has been at the forefront of this movement. Not your typical “museum,” the YBCA is known for its plays and screens films, and loves to show off exhibitions that put modern art into motion. Only a short walk from the front steps of The St. Regis hotel. 701 Mission Street

– Liz Hamill Scott of eatswritesandleaves.com and travelswithpain.com