Fodor's Expert Review San Francisco Art Institute
Editor's Note: This location is no longer in operation.
The number-one reason for a visit to this art college is Mexican master Diego Rivera's The Making of a Fresco Showing the Building of a City (1931), in the student gallery to your immediate left inside the entrance. Rivera himself is in the fresco—his broad behind is to the viewer—and he's surrounded by his assistants. They in turn are surrounded by a construction scene, laborers, and city notables, such as sculptor Ralph Stackpole and architect Timothy Pflueger. Making is one of three San Francisco murals painted by Rivera. The school itself has seen substantial changes on the academic side because of budget issues and the COVID-19 pandemic, but the mural still remains, as does the panoramic view from the courtyard café.
The Walter & McBean Galleries (415/749–4563;closed Sun. and Mon.) exhibit the often provocative works of established artists.
