The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art was created by architect Mario Botta, who designed a provocative piazza-like space admired within the cityscape of San Francisco.

This five-story structure was built using a stepped and patterned brick veneer with a soaring barrel shaped tower on top featuring alternating bands of white and black stone. Influenced by iconic architect Louis I. Khan, the interior of the space is filled with natural light and boasts large open spaces. Some creative highlights include a grand staircase that allows guests to travel throughout all five floors and their various exhibits, as well as a striking bridge that spans the entire fifth floor.

151 Third Street, San Francisco, CA, Phone: 415-357-4000, (website link), Video

The Getty in Los Angeles Crystal Bridges Museum of Art in Bentonville Aspen Art Museum Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum Fallingwater Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum Guggenheim Museum Kimbell Art Museum Kahn Building M.H. de Young Museum Milwaukee Art Museum Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth San Francisco Museum of Modern Art Seattle Art Museum Strong National Museum of Play San Diego Children's Discovery Museum The Denver Art Museum The EMP Museum The Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art Westmoreland Museum of American Art

Explore more: Vacation Ideas & Things to Do > Architecturally Stunning Museums in the United States

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