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One of the gallery’s first exhibitions was of NASA’s lunar photographs, and this set a tone for what followed. Soon came exhibitions by Eugene Atget, Edward Weston and Diane Arbus, and later, the Bechers, Adam Fuss, and Sol LeWitt. Projects have brought together work across all media, juxtaposing photography with painting, drawing, and sculpture. Other photographers whose work is regularly shown include Richard Avedon and Man Ray.

Bi-monthly exhibitions of Mexican-American art might include painters, cartoonists, performance artists, muralists, or digital installations. Programs also include films by the likes of Surrealist Luis Buñuel, panel discussions, and performances by stars of the Latino art and music scene.

“Immigrants and Settlers” and “Adventurers and Goldseekers” chronicle the lives of those who came to California from all over the world in the 19th century, hoping to strike it rich. You’ll see gold prospecting tools, and a 5-oz (142-g) gold nugget.

Radical and diverse art emerges out of this hotbed of creativity. The alternative multi-genre art installation combines live drama performances, video and film screenings, and panel discussions, which largely explore the influence of race and relationships on people’s work and lives.

A 17th-century icon of St Peter is just one remnant of the Spanish Mission years. You’ll also find early colonial tools, and a section of adobe wall.

A quaint, time-warp experience awaits you here. As you approach the lower level, you’ll be greeted by the loud guffaws of Laughing Sal, the enormous, buxom figure that is a relic of the old Playland at the Beach. There are also many other often ingenious mechanical devices that once crowded the arcade, so have your quarters handy – and don’t miss the re-creation in miniature of a Chinese opium den. In addition, there is a small collection devoted to the art of holography.

Not only a museum and gallery, but also a community center for San Francisco’s Italians. Temporary exhibitions might focus on the work of an Italian artist, or on some aspect of Italian culture. Classes are also offered in the Italian language, art and architecture, and cookery.

The emphasis here is on the varieties of non-mainstream ways that people find to be creative – to see things afresh and make something new out of them. This may include traditional folk art from all over the world.

This burgeoning collection traces the city’s history, from its low-key Spanish beginnings, to the ‘49er boom town hoopla, to the modern, complex metropolis it is today. The mementos consist of photos, old newspapers, scale models of buildings, and posters, but one of the most arresting relics is the 3.5-ft (1-m) head of the Goddess of Progress. Her full figure, with electrically illuminated crown, adorned the old City Hall until the 1906 quake toppled her.

Occupying the old San Francisco Mint (1875–7), on top of which the Bank of Canton has been built. The bank sponsors the museum, which focuses on the art of the Pacific Rim, aiming to bring the work of Asian artists to a wider audience. Exhibitions feature many pieces on loan from private collections and otherwise rarely seen.