The Beat Museum is a cultural institution located at 540 Broadway in San Francisco, California. As an ode to the Beat Generation literary movement of the 1950s, the museum features a variety of memorabilia, letters, and other pop culture artifacts from notable writers like Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg. The museum also provides an opportunity for visitors to learn about the counterculture movement and its impact on American art, literature, and society. In addition to exhibitions, The Beat Museum offers a bookstore with a wide range of books and poetry collections from Beat writers, as well as audio guides for visitors. With a 4.4 rating on Google reviews and positive comments from visitors, The Beat Museum is a must-visit destination for fans of Beat literature and anyone interested in American counterculture.
Reviews
A small museum and a shop in one place. Lots of vintage stuff. Really like the vintage PlayBoy magazines, didn't expect to see those lol. Prices are affordable and you can negotiate. I think if you're an adult, it is worth a visit if you are near this place in San Francisco
I love this place. We will go back there again soon. This is a cool little museum with a lot of beat history. I am not a buff on it, and I enjoyed the exhibits. Also, it's in a book/record store which I thought was pretty cool. The guy behind the register that day was also really friendly and helpful, knowledgeable about the Bay Area, too.
I don't think it can be stated enough the influence of the Beat Generation on our current culture. It is easy to trace the actions and writings of these authors to cultural conflicts, and freedoms, that we experience today. The memories and legacy of the Beat authors is so well preserved at the Beat Museum that you can see and feel the passion. Jerry and Brandon are amazing, knowledgeable hosts that will talk and inspire anyone who is lucky enough to listen. Go to the Best Museum. Look at the exhibits. Hear the stories. Leave changed. Your life will be better for it
Interesting shop in the front selling books and memorabilia from the Beat generation. I couldn't get into the museum though. There was no one in line, but the person behind the counter was carrying on a personal conversation and despite making eye contact with me, didn't acknowledge the fact that I was waiting to enter. After 10 minutes, I gave up and left. I will try again in the future and update this review if I manage to get in.
Can’t miss this if you’re into this genre/era. Cool owners with some interesting stories. Awesome little museum with a great book selection. Good way to spend a few hours.
Amazing spot, the museum was good but Brandon’s knowledge of beat history was priceless!! Great vintage selection and rare books!!! Truly a gem to find such a cool spot my first morning!!
After visiting the City Lights Bookstore and Vesuvio Cafe, still hungry for litterary impulses, the nearby Beat Museum is well worth a visit. The museum will give you a good introduction to the Beat-movements and its authors. You also see period type-writers, posters and other artefacts giving a sense of the material culture of Beat. It's a relatively small museum with a good book and bookstore that also features used LPs.
Brandon knows so much about the context and history of all the things! Highly recommend checking this spot out if you wanna know more about the Beats, and even just the history of some well loved San Francisco neighborhoods, it was an excellent way to spend the morning!
Location
540 Broadway, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States
Hours
-
Monday
10:00 AM - 07:00 PM
- Tuesday Close
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Wednesday
10:00 AM - 07:00 PM
- Thursday Close
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Friday
10:00 AM - 07:00 PM
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Saturday
10:00 AM - 07:00 PM
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Sunday
10:00 AM - 07:00 PM
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