This place is a great place to come and enjoy the arts!!

I enjoyed the calmness of being around all the different aspects of lights the prints and designs and interactive rooms

An absolutely bizarre museum founded by a man who believes hes the reincarnation of Buddha. Interesting combination of classic Chinese art and strange modern sculpture. Lobby looks like a miniature golf course. With all that said...it is pretty memorable.

Decent for being free. Nothing cool upstairs. FYI no pictures upstairs

Beautiful art. Lovely people working there.

It was a pleasantly surprising visit. You have nothing to lose with FREE ADMISSION. Go enjoy an exhibit.

Very interesting exhibit except it featured mainly one guy. Hes an amazing artist but some more variety would be awesome. Last Sunday of the month is free! Wouldnt have gone otherwise.

Its no longer free and now they charge 15 dollars just for the pictures. More of a large gallery of one person than a museum.Looks like the really cool interactive pieces is now a childrens space that is very expensive. People in the front were very nice but definitely a rip off.

Quaint little museum with diverse exemples of chinese art, interspaced with some european paintings.

Wonderful art as a newcomer.

Peculiar Chinese focus, well worth a (free!) Visit if you have some free time in the heart of SF.

Really nice artwork.

This place is bizarre, and I mean that in the best way. Read the other reviews if you want to get some kind of idea of what you might find here, but I think its best to walk in with no idea of what youre about to encounter. I will say the experience is greatly enhanced by reading the labels, which are true works of art.Its free, so if youre broke, artsy, and have a sense of humor, bring a date. Its a great way to spend a few hours and no money, and if your date is as open-minded as you are, it could be very memorable.

This girl named Rahe I have one of a kind earrings inside the gift shop, what an experience collecting my goods most likely you have never seen any thing like that. but you might love it

Interestingly, most of the marble paintings were pixelated upon closer examination. So much of the art weren’t original paintings and copies because we saw two exact same pieces: the one in the lobby area is the exact same piece as one in the upper museum area.Lots of beautiful Asian art, but some artist placards were misplaced. For example, in the frame art section of the museum, a painting within a beautifully crafted frame (the frame should have been the main artwork for the placard in that section) was mislabeled as a painting titled “Phoenixes” but it was simply a cheap, tacky, 3D-like plastic image of flamingos like the ones elementary students used to receive as school bookmarks—the ones where the image seems to move by changing your angle of vision. Was quite disappointed in this museum because I wasn’t expecting to have to pay to see mere copies/prints of paintings. Makes me question the authenticity of the Asian art that is on paper (not canvas) too. Surprisingly large space for a museum despite its small façade.

Really nice staff.Fantastic pyrography on bone exhibtion by artist Tanya Herrera.Mishmash of other works of art like traditional Chinese drawings, European landscape paintings as well as modern lenticular imagery. Rooms were very oddly curated with clashing art genes, empty faux jade frames as well as a glass vatrine with a huge sculpture stuffed inside it. These and other things made me wonder about the museums curators overall aesthetic artistic vision. Even still many individual art pieces very worth seeing.

This museum was really cute and definitely worth a visit. Main detraction was the lighting and glass in front of the pieces made it hard to view. Most of the artwork is by HH Dorje Chang Buddha III, who is incredibly talented, and a pretty amusing person. His ego must rival that of President Trump’s and it is definitely worth looking at his Wikipedia page, which is pretty hilarious. He must own this museum. I liked how different his pieces were from each other. He look risks and some of the pieces were too modern art for my taste, but others were beautiful. All were interesting. The staff were incredibly nice.

Lovely unexpected gem of a museum. A variety of Chinese and European artwork. The tags on the Chinese paintings were delightful as the paintings themselves. Several spots to sit and sketch or just relax away from the noise of Market street while waiting for theater to open. Definitely a maze, as another review mentioned.

It is a wonderful museum with several different pieces. The main artist: Dorje Change Buddha III has many pieces on display. His work is amazing. It is free and a nice place. Im not sure whether this artist is actually the reincarnated Dorje Chang Buddha, but nevertheless the art is beautiful. There are other artists as well. Overall, it is a nice and fun place to visit.

For 1 its right around the corner from my house 2 I love art 3 its free and for every other reason its a great place its interesting just wish they had more to do especially the little houses in the window the log cabin thing in be really cool if you could go play in it or more hands on activities / interactive

So many copy and prints. It shouldn’t call itself a museum and is totally not worth of trip.

This museum is a bit of a joke honestly - there’s no theme, the art is weird and eclectic - Chinese art all by the same artist Dorje Chang Buddha III who coincidentally also most likely owns the gallery, plus some super random 18th century English art (think naval art).Some of the calligraphy pieces, as has been pointed out in prior reviews, are just low pixel prints (if you squint and looks closely you can see the pixels around the edges) with an added varnish layer to appear original.The description plaques have been translated in a fairly amateur English - in fairness they had a large disclaimer at the beginning that the Chinese language doesn’t translate well... I agree to an extent that it isn’t easy to translate, I am and speak Chinese but with a little effort from a professional translator anything is possible... to give you a sense, the museum used to be called “Superb Art Museum of America”If you google Dorje Chang Buddha III there’s a slew of accusations - I’m not going to take a position on what’s accurate or not.If you have time to kill and they let you in for free (it wasn’t when I last went in 2018) then it might be worth going in for 10 minutes for a stroll

For 1 its right around the corner from my house 2 I love art 3 its free and for every other reason its a great place its interesting just wish they had more to do especially the little houses in the window the log cabin thing in be really cool if you could go play in it or more hands on activities / interactive

Amazing! A growing collection of art from Masters around the world, all originals.Several mediums are on display.There is a self guided tour offered in several languages, and gift store before you leave.Reasonable parking off 6th and Market.There are also special events held in the the large multi level venue. Make sure to see the TREASURE ROOM (thats the only hint i am giving!!!)

I enjoyed the visit to this museum. If you are a tight budget tourist, this is the right place to go! I specially liked their Buddha original art. The paintings are awesome, you can see the details of the animals and other artwork.Great place, and nice staff.

Stumbled upon this walking down market Street. They offered free admission on the Saturday I went.The art was interesting, and they where presented in a nice way. Most exhibits had some informative text next to them which I thought was nice. The place was not to busy when I went around 3pm only 2 other people. The Staff was also friendly.

I highly recommend this museum in San Francisco. the indoor garden is absolutely breathtaking offering a true feeling of tranquility. Sculptures were amazing however, the Chinese ink paintings and calligraphy were my favorite. Definitely a must do when visiting San Francisco.

Really awesome museum! The exhibits are amazing and its free!!! The garden on the ground floor was really something. I love the art frames by Buddha III on the second floor.

The paints are not real painting and the light&glass are bad. Almost all the painting of the Buddha III are fake and the prints are worse than the post card of SF MOMA. It wont be a place you need to see unless you want to waste your money(yes, it cost $15 per person and serve you a bunch of junk).

This place looks mysterious/dark from outside but they have some cool decorations inside, like a garden. That really catched my eyes. I like their sculpture artwork. The material and skill are very unique. A cool place to go!

It is one of the best free activities in San Francisco. I loved their indoor garden, and their whole collection. I highly recommend to visit this museum, its super convenient location, friendly staff, and unique art pieces!

Private collection featuring a great depth of patrons own work, with a unique and distinguishable style. Overall rather impressive, although a fair bit disorganized that not much has been emphasized in patrons artistic progression. But hey, it is free.

Excellent find on a Sunday wander, first story had natural sculpture exhibit, up stairs a solo exhibition of art. Note: To exit through store need to go back down to ground floor. V Friendly staff.

Free, kinda spooky, and buddha

What an unexpected jewel, very accommodating staff, as well as knowledgeable...huge gallery, great gift shop as well!

Terrific free museum without a dash of humility. Placards alone are worth a trip. Would definitely enthusiastically recommend the museum to anyone visiting from out of town.

It has awesome environments, and the pieces in exposition are lacking but the staff is nice. Overall it is worth your time and free, all one needs to know, right?

This place is straight up weird. The kind of weird that can only be explained by some kind of ulterior motive at work. Other reviewers suggest cult, but my theory is that this place is a kind of propaganda fabricator, attempting to create international legitimacy for Chinas control of Tibet by presenting a certified Tibetan master/reincarnation of the Buddha himself who happens to have a passing interest in the visual arts and whose authenticity is firmly in the control of the Chinese government. Is that too cynical or paranoid of a theory? I challenge you to come up with a better explanation after visiting this place. Its trying hard to look like one, but it sure as hell isnt an art museum.

I called Loretta, the Director, looking for someone in charge of Marketing. She gave me a quick number to call instead and when I asked her (politely) to repeat the extension, she just said OK Im very busy please speak with Audrey instead and hung up. Disgusted by the managements lack of consideration for those they work with.

A mix of a Buddhist painter who is grandly celebrated and a variety of impressionist and realist Northern Europeans. It features a charming indoor garden when you first walk in, and free entry, so no downside.

Not wheelchair friendly. Exhibit is small and not very interesting.

Exotic and bright raw marble on display!

I dont often get much free time, but when I do have it. I treasure it. I would have to say that today was a day well spent at IAMA. I was able to really relax in their garden and just enjoy all the art they had to offer. I cant really think of a better way to spend time than looking and learning about such beautiful artwork. I especially liked the coral statues and the flemish oil paintings. I definitely all take another sunny day downtown to explore more hidden museums like this one. (free too)

It was a nice exhibit but it was all dedicated to one man.

This museum is a hidden gem with a winding maze of rooms to host art. I saw a show based on the works of the third Buddha and was mesmerized by the tact and foresight in how the show was curated.

It is an amazing place. Worth visiting lots of times.

Free Admission, Free Tour, Free Open Air Garden, and right down town SF...Im not really sure what could be more convenient?Seriously though, if youre a student, visiting, or just taking a break from your day you should really take some time to indulge in life.

Very nice paintings. Hopefully they get funding in order to grow.

This museum has the greatest artists works. IAMA is truly an impressive and great museum, I truly love it and enjoy here.

Really convenient, right in downtown San Francisco. Free admission, which is great! Plus, the indoor garden is really beautiful.

Contrary to other reviews, it wasnt free, and wasnt that cheap either. I wouldnt call it a museum, more of a gallery, where most of the artwork is by one artist, so its only worthwhile if you really like him.

Some of the arts descriptions are over-the-top but, in addition to the admission being free for now, I was impressed and oddly disgusted by some sculptures all at once. Nice!

This is more like going to a hall of curiosities. Thats not to say that there isnt some nice artworks here, its just hard to believe that theyre serious pieces. Price is right though, free admission.

Its a hidden secret in the city. Looking forward to seeing more expositions and cultural activities in general!

This museum is kind of a joke, I was lucky the entrance was free cause I would have regretted any amount of money I invested there. 90% of the artwork is all done by Dorje Chang Buddha III, youll find plaques next to his artwork (which is actually not bad) with hilariously over the top descriptions of it, calling it beyond natural, and a gift from God amongst other superlatives. There is some artwork by old flemish masters but nothing too intersting

I love it. My boyfriend and I had nothing to do so it was a pretty cool date

I dont know what this is all about. Around 80% of the work displayed is by one person, the H.H. Chang Dorje Buddha III, or some such. His works span a number of different styles, from the amateurish Chinese calligraphy to the incompetent Impressionism impressions to the embarrassing Van Gogh ripoff to the fake rock paintings. The most inscrutable are the fake rock frames, some of which appear to weigh hundreds of pounds, most look like they are crafted of Muppet poop, and several framing lenticular photos of cave scenes, one with a tableau of an Orange hippo-man/Mr. T with a bandolier harassing a hobbit on a horse. What is this place? Admission is free, many of the rooms are unused, the translations of text are stilted, and almost all of the work is by one artist, described in adulation, an artist not heard of in the West. Yes, this is some sort of cult and/or tax write-off conspiracy. And it is free and weird. The downstairs looks like a life size shoebox diorama of a pastoral scene. Go see this place before the IRS shuts it down.

I Love that place

Weird. Majority of the art seems to be by an artist who is claimed to be a relatively recent incarnation of the Buddah. Many bizarre signs extolling him accompany the art.

Good thing: beautiful garden on the ground floor.1. Most pieces are from the same artist - h.h. dorje Chang. They call him h.h. Dorje Chang buddha III. Buddha. Buddha?2. Chinese art dominates the whole house. Its not international like the museum name suggested.3. The placecards are full of artist info but rarely about the art piece. To make it more unprofessional, there are biased opinions.4. The light reflected on glass panels is so bright. This is the most brightly lit art museum on earth. I couldnt attempt to see the details without blinding myself. Are those paintings legit?? Dont they worry that light could speed up aging of the pieces - assuming theyre authentic?So many things blew my mind. Its not an art museum!

Good for 1-on-1 meetings in the fairy tale cottage settings on the ground floor and even better on first Thursdays with wine or live music. I ask you, what other museum gift shop features flooring samples. A visit to the affiliated Hua Zang Si temple located at 3126 22nd St is also enjoyable, before or after a stop at the nearby gelato place.

A good free museum to stop by while walking through the city

Great place to go, especially if you are low on money! Dont miss, must go!

I was meaning to go to the SFMOMA when I stopped here. Not nearly as impressive. Alot of the art seamed to be done by the same person. For a free museum, though it was alright. Cant take any photos inside.

This is a very different and unique museum. Something super original and strange and gorgeous and mesmerizing. This place is magical, and the art here is really really out of the box.Is something that we are not used to see and maybe this is why people have written reviews with very crazy connotations and silly theories. People have difficulties understanding the new, the strange and the cutting edge.The different styles and techniques are very vast. And is just very very different.If you are a person looking for something new you should come with an empty mind and let yourself be touched by the beauty of the abstract mind and the jumps of the soul.---------------------------------------Una experiencia muy bella. Este museo es algo de muy original y lo recomiendo si eres una persona que esta buscando algo diferente en el arte y en la vida.

Amazing,This life must take a look.

Its just alright. The building was hot and humid. They dont have a very large collection, but I liked the recorded electronic tour that accompanies the artwork.

Free to enter. Beautiful paintings and sculptures.

Very interested.

The ground floor is grotto-themed, with a waterfall, pond, bridge, and island with a tree house (for looking only). Upstairs address the galleries, mostly Asian art, about half paintings and half sculptures that look like icicles or roots.

Phenomenal.

Surprisingly good. Free admission!

The exhibit I saw was from a direct descendant of Buddha. The artwork was beyond words.

We were the only two tourists here lol, like almost nothing interesting to see here

It was just ok.

Pretty lame. They advertise to the youth but it is boring for them as most museums.

Beautiful art, welcome to visit.

Great for museum/art lovers and free

You thank you

Okay

A international art museum what you look for

I love the art!

Very Beautiful and Free!

Eclectic mix of art

Super helpful staff.

Some great art pieces

Cool place just boring old stuff.

Chinese art. But free admission.

Check it out, its FREE

Secret treasure room

A gem on Market!

It is great!!! I love it!!