About San Francisco
Right on the coast in Northern California, San Francisco boasts close to 900 thousand residents, a bevy of attractions, and bright sunny beaches to enjoy. Whether it is your first visit or your 101st visit, you can always find something new to see or do in this bustling city by the bay.
The first settlers to San Francisco date back to 3000 BC with the Yelamu group of the Ohlone peoples. But the city itself was not incorporated until 1776 when a Spanish exploration party came to town. With all of the history and natural beauty, planning an art exhibit space in San Francisco is a great idea.
Art Exhibit Options in San Francisco
The city is full of culture and art, with more than two dozen major art museums to explore covering everything from Asian artwork to cartoon art. Before you head off to visit some of these places, make sure you have all of the important features covered for your San Francisco art exhibit space.
- Food and Drink
San Francisco has plenty of famous chefs, restaurants, and award-winning catering companies to pick from. You should not have any trouble finding exactly what you need to make your event spectacular.
- Security
With all of the one-of-a-kind art pieces you will be showcasing, you should make sure you have some kind of security. Whether it is one security guard who covers the whole place night and day or several who mingle during the exhibit, San Francisco has what you need.
- Décor and Equipment
Besides an exhibit space, you will also need stalls, stands, special lighting, and stylish furnishings for your show. Some of the important things that most art exhibits have are que poles, barriers, and stanchions as well as easels, display cases, pedestals, and podiums. Also, don’t forget the lighting.
Art Exhibit Companies in San Francisco
Luckily, San Francisco is an artsy city with a variety of fantastic art gallery supply vendors from decorators to security detail. If you want special lighting and equipment, art deco furniture, and divine catering, you picked the right city for it.
- Foxtail Catering and Events
This full-service catering company in San Francisco has many chefs that specialize in different cuisines so you can be sure to get exactly what you want. Whether you are looking for delectable hors d’oeuvres and wine, a buffet with all sorts of delights, or full-course meals, Foxtail can do it all and then some.
- Cort Events
Cort Events has been in business for over 45 years and delivers all over the world with more than 100 offices and showrooms. No matter what you need, they have it or they can get it for you. From drapes to pedestals and lighting to plush furniture with built-in charging ports, this place has it all.
- Armada Protective Services
With hundreds of high-end clients as well as private individuals, Armada Protective Services takes every job seriously. They have clients like the Veterans Administration, Hyatt, and the Consulate Generals of Brazil, China, Mexico, and Russia. Armada can provide what you need whether it is one security guard or a whole security fleet.
Pros and Cons of Art Exhibits in San Francisco
Even if you choose the most popular city in the world, they all have their pros and cons. Here are a few advantages and disadvantages of planning an art exhibit space in San Francisco.
Advantages
- Spectacular weather
You would be crazy not to love the weather in San Francisco. With temps in the 60s year-round and less than average rainfall, those who like sunny skies and warm breezes will love it here.
- Fun activities
If you are looking for a fun night on the town or a quiet day in the park, San Francisco has a plethora of both. The city boasts dozens of museums, parks, pubs, clubs, shops, and eateries to explore and enjoy.
- Excellent public transportation
No matter where you are headed in San Francisco, you should be able to get there using public transportation. In fact, it’s been ranked as #2 in the Best Cities for Public Transit before. You have several choices including cable cars, streetcars, light rail, and buses.
Disadvantages
- Traffic is a nightmare
Perhaps the reason San Francisco has such great public transport is because of the traffic. No matter what time of day you go out, even in the middle of the night, there just seems to be tons of people trying to get somewhere.
- High cost of living
Eating at a typical mid-range restaurant in San Francisco will cost you double the national average and groceries will cost you a bundle as well. Gas prices are ridiculous, and you have to do your homework to find the best deals on hotels, rental cars, and whatever else you may need.
- Equally high crime rate
You will want to be careful out on the streets of San Francisco depending on what neighborhood you are in. Some of the safest include Excelsior, Outer Sunset, and the Financial District.
Famous Locations in San Francisco
- Legion of Honor
The Legion of Honor was established in 1924 to honor soldiers from California who died in WWI. The stunning beaux-arts building in Lincoln Park boasts over 4,000 years of artwork with three period rooms and a gilded Spanish ceiling. Don’t miss the Coffin of Iret-Hor Irou from 380 BC, the Eastern Mediterranean Flask from the 1st century, and the Torso of Hermes from the 2nd century.
- de Young Museum
Another fantastic art collection awaits at the de Young Museum, which was founded in 1895. You can find it in Golden Gate Park. In fact, it is hard to miss with its 144-foot twisted tower. See artwork dating back to the 1600s along with textiles, wire sculptures from Ruth Asawa, and the Double Rainbow from Frederic Edwin Church.
- Asian Art Museum
You will find the Asian Art Museum across from the civic center in the middle of San Francisco. This place is home to one of the largest and most complete Asian art collections in the world. There are more than 18 thousand dating back about 6,000 years. Be sure to see the Seated Buddha from 338 BC and the Buddha over Mara from 959 BC.
