ABOUT THE MUSEUM

The Museum of Performance & Design is the first museum in the country dedicated exclusively to the performing arts and theatrical design. The Museum’s mission is to educate people of all ages about the impact and value of the performing arts in their lives through exhibitions, programming, and research. In addition the Museum collects, preserves, and makes accessible performance and design materials that reflect our diverse culture.

On the occasion of its 60th anniversary in 2007, the organization, then named the San Francisco Performing Arts Library & Museum, changed its name to the Museum of Performance & Design to more accurately reflect the organization’s growing mission. Located in the Veterans Building in San Francisco’s Civic Center, the organization continues to collect, preserve, and make available to the public – free of charge – its collection of 3.5 million items and its programs documenting the diverse cultural legacy of the performing arts in California and beyond. Its extraordinary exhibitions, educational services, and outstanding artistic programs reach more than 200,000 youth and adults every year.