SOMA's Newest Addition: The Museum District
San Francisco has maintained stature amongst the world’s most famous art/museum communities. Cities such as Barcelona, Washington D.C and Paris are prime examples of stellar urban communities intertwining high-end living with the culture of museums.
Up until the 90s, the quality of museums, traveling exhibits and artistic development in San Francisco had been scarce due to the lack of city funding and allocated grants. With the remodel of the California Academy of Sciences, the rehab of the de Young, the relocation of the Asian Art Museum and the opening of the Walt Disney Family Museum, San Francisco has definitely kept the tourist attractions blooming while invigorating the locals with culture.
More impressive has been the development of San Francisco's SoMa neighborhood. A new era of the museum scene is pinpointed right here. SFGate recently published an article outlining the growth of this area, much of which can be accredited to the development of Yerba Buena Gardens and the SFMoMA.
Within a one-mile radius there is now an array of galleries, from independent to large-scale, as well as several thriving museums. One might find themselves discovering new hip artists over a cocktail at the 111 Minna Gallery, or stop over at the Moderinsm Inc. Gallery which proudly featured Warhol's first Bay Area exhibit in 1982, or experience the art, culture and story telling of the Museum of the African Diaspora next door to the St. Regis Residences.
High-end residences (such as the St. Regis), financial district businesses and tourists were the first to reap the rewards. Now, within walking distance you can find events, exhibits, a wide array of performances and relaxing outdoor spaces, creating a cultured destination point. That point has been named “The Museum District.”
Watching SoMa's Museum District seed, bloom and flourish is exciting. I can attest that the benefits of this cultural growth has positively influenced the real estate values of the immediate area. In future blog posts I'll be detailing various prestigious buildings starting with the St. Regis Residences and their museum tower, so stay tuned!
Image of Yerba Buena Center by Eric in SF