As the Butte County fire continues to burn, the air quality in San Francisco is on red, or unhealthy, according to the city’s Department of Emergency Management. Residents are expected to feel the effects of the smoke throughout the holiday weekend. With thousands of people fleeing their homes and multiple fatalities as of publication, the mood is heavy across Northern California.
To give local art lovers some relief, two museums are free this weekend. The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art announced Friday that its Public Knowledge Library and second floor gallery, which houses its permanent collection, will be free and open to the public this weekend, Nov. 10 and 11, “to offer a place of reflection as we all continue to find ways to cope with the ongoing impact of the fire and smoke.”
Likewise, the de Young is offering free general admission this weekend. “For those directly affected by the fires, or for those seeking to escape the poor air conditions, the de Young wants to offer a free and safe space,” the museum said in a statement.
The second floor of the SFMOMA is home to its Open Ended exhibit, which features painting and sculpture from 1900 to today and includes world-class artists such as Jackson Pollock, Marcel Duchamp, Georgia O’Keeffe, Frida Kahlo and Mark Rothko. Bay Area artist Wayne Thiebaud‘s two concurrent solo shows, also on the second floor, will be free as well.
In addition to its massive permanent collection, free this weekend, the de Young is currently showing Contemporary Muslim Fashions for an additional entry fee.
