Yerba Buena Center for the Arts

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Yerba Buena Center for the Arts

Open Wednesday-Sunday from 11 am-5 pm. Free admission every Wednesday and second Sunday.

Situated in the center of downtown San Francisco, YBCA functions as a dynamic platform to generate ideas and nurture the talents of emerging and established artists. Centering artists as essential to social and cultural movement, YBCA is reimagining the role an arts institution can play in the community it serves.

20/08/2025

“Walking through MAKIBAKA, installed in the second-floor galleries, feels like flipping a breathing scrapbook; the show is intimate, reflective and fiercely political.”

KQED’s review of “MAKIBAKA: A Living Legacy” captures the heart of the exhibition. Read more to see how the exhibition connects generations through healing, memory, and action → https://bit.ly/47hJNiT

Experience the exhibition in person at YBCA Wednesday–Sunday, 11 am–5 pm → https://bit.ly/40y8bbT

“MAKIBAKA: A Living Legacy” installation photo by Robbie Sweeny

13/08/2025

Take a look at how “Bay Area Then” came together at YBCA! From Jeff Canham painting Margaret Kilgallen’s “Main Drag” with his son, to Chris Johanson constructing a maze with longtime collaborator Ajax Oxford, to Johanna Jackson assembling hanging strands of ceramic fragments, this exhibition is all about the communities behind creative practice and expression.

🎨 Experience the energy of the 90s Bay Area art scene through the work of the artists who shaped it—on view at YBCA Wednesday-Sunday from 11 am-5 pm. → https://bit.ly/3Ib8gMm

Photos of Chris Johanson, Ajax Oaxford, and Johanna Jackson courtesy of Altman Siegel, San Francisco; J.A.M.
Photos of Margaret Kilgallen’s “Main Drag” by Jeff Canham

11/08/2025

“Smartly curated by Eungie Joo, ‘Bay Area Then’ surveys the vibrant cultures that emerged from the AIDS crisis, the LAPD beating of Rodney King, and the first Gulf War—connecting the dots to today’s political struggles.”

Read the full review via KQED Arts → https://bit.ly/3JrOcG4

Experience the exhibition Wednesday-Sunday from 11 am-5 pm → https://bit.ly/3Ib8gMm

09/08/2025

Celebrate Filipino pride and community at this year’s Pistahan Festival and Parade at the Yerba Buena Gardens and YBCA! On this Saturday and Sunday from 11 am-5 pm, enjoy world-class entertainment and explore Filipino culture.

We’re also offering free admission to galleries for you to experience “MAKIBAKA: A Living Legacy,” a powerful exhibition spotlighting San Francisco’s Filipino artists and activists. In the exhibition, you’ll find the iconic work of graphic designer Lucille Tenazas, who designed the first Pistahan logo in 1994 and its 25th anniversary version featuring Philippine folk patterns.

Join us in honoring San Francisco’s Filipino community → https://bit.ly/3BBzs1y

Photos by Tommy Lau and YBCA staff

05/08/2025

Thanks to everyone who came out to celebrate the openings of “Bay Area Then” and “MAKIBAKA: A Living Legacy.” We’re just getting started, with more events and programs to come.

This week, you can check out both shows during regular gallery hours Wednesday–Sunday from 11am–5pm. On Thursday August 7, we’re open late for Downtown First Thursday, with free performances by Cellski and DJ TC. Or join us this weekend for the Pistahan Parade & Festival, with free gallery admission both Saturday and Sunday. Check our calendar for more details → https://bit.ly/40Nh6Fs

Photos by Natalie Schrik for Drew Altizer Photography

31/07/2025

Raquel Redondiez, Director of SOMA Pilipinas, and Erina Alejo, one of the featured artists in “MAKIBAKA: A Living Legacy,” recently appeared on KRON4’s LIVE! in the Bay to speak about the power of Filipino art and storytelling.

“MAKIBAKA: A Living Legacy” is a landmark exhibition that celebrates the Filipino community’s enduring spirit of resistance and resilience through contemporary art and collective memory—and it opens this weekend at YBCA.

As Redondiez shared:

“It’s really heart-warming and it’s also a reclamation because this is a place where we were displaced through redevelopment in the 60s. So to be able to tell that story to reclaim the space but also to show that there is so much interest to learn about Filipino history, Filipino art and culture, it’s not just for the Filipino community, but really for everyone.”

Watch the full interview → https://bit.ly/4l7voJo

Visit the exhibition at YBCA during regular gallery hours Saturday and Sunday, starting August 2 at 11am → https://bit.ly/40y8bbT

30/07/2025

On August 1, we’re proud to present “Pōpoloheno: Songs of Resilience & Joy,” a powerful musical performance led by Māhealani Uchiyama.

This groundbreaking project honors the often-overlooked contributions of Black Hawaiians in post-contact Hawaiian history through mele inoa (name songs) and storytelling. It's a celebration of identity, memory, and cultural resilience.

As Māhealani beautifully says in 48hills:

“We take that [struggle] and create culture, cuisine, we create music, fashion. Our overcoming these things has produced such amazing beauty in the world.”

Join us at YBCA for an unprecedented performance. → https://bit.ly/3UC1Okt

25/07/2025

Exciting news: “Bay Area Then” is one of 10 exhibitions featured in Hyperallergic Bay Area must-see list!

"From artists grappling with the AIDS crisis to the Mission School’s twist on graffiti to the many artist collectives that fueled the community, ‘Bay Area Then’ offers a glimpse into the past and guidance for the future."

Read more about the great exhibitions happening in August in Hyperallergic → https://bit.ly/45jZ6pY

Margaret Kilgallen, “Main Drag,” 2001. Photo by Robbie Sweeny.

24/07/2025

🎉 🎉 🎉 Announcing additional performers and events for the opening night of “MAKIBAKA: A Living Legacy” and “Bay Area Then.” Join us on Fri, Aug 1 for an incredible evening featuring:

🎶 Thrilling performance from the one and only Ruby Ibarra
🎧 Beats by DJ Shortkut
🎤 Original songs and performance by Barr
📖 Pop-up shop from Scooters for Peace, featuring limited edition works designed by Bay Area artists
🖼️ Artwork from over 40 artists across 2 new exhibitions

Tickets are going fast! Free RSVP here → https://bit.ly/4lWuhgI

Note that while RSVP guarantees admission to the event, capacity will be limited for the musical performances.

22/07/2025

On August 1 at 7:30 pm, experience the warmth, rhythm, and celebration of “Pōpoloheno: Songs of Resilience & Joy,” featuring:

🌟 Four-time Grammy Award winner
🌟 Grammy-nominated artist
🏆 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winners and
🎤 Renowned Hawaiian music singer
🎶 Local recording artist
🎵 Hawai’i’s “First Lady of Jazz”
🎵 Award-winning composer and her Hālau Ka Ua Tuahine performers

From soul-stirring mele inoa to the rich harmonies of Hawaii, this unforgettable night is a tribute to the stories of African descended individuals in Hawaiian history. Follow the link in our bio to get your tickets to this one-night only event at the Blue Shield of California Theater at YBCA.

14/07/2025

On August 1, we’re excited to present “Pōpoloheno: Songs of Resilience & Joy”, a musical performance and celebration of the African Experience in Hawaiʻi, in partnership with Mahea Uchiyama Center for International Dance.

Featuring four-time Grammy Award winner Kalani Pe‘a alongside renowned musicians Kamakakēhau Fernandez, Patrick Landeza, Ikaika Blackburn, Azure McCall, and Māhealani Uchiyama, this evening of music celebrates the often-overlooked contributions of African descendants in post-contact Hawaiian history.

Get your ticket to hear original mele inoa (name songs) honoring Hawaiian stories → https://bit.ly/3ZFI1DT

12/07/2025

We’re feeling the love 💙 YBCA was just named a 2025 Best of the Bay winner!

From top restaurants to weekend escapes, the list celebrates the best of what the Bay has to offer, and we’re honored to be included. Read all about this year’s winners and get ready to explore → http://bit.ly/45XobI6

Photo by Corey Marsau

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Opening Hours

Wednesday	11:00 - 17:00
Thursday	11:00 - 17:00
Friday	11:00 - 17:00
Saturday	11:00 - 17:00
Sunday	11:00 - 17:00

Telephone

+14159782700

Website

http://www.ybca.org/

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