All industrial & heritage museums to visit in San Francisco

Explore the impact of industry on society at 9 industrial heritage museums in San Francisco. These museums showcase the history of manufacturing, technology, and labor.

Are you curious about the history of industry and innovation? These are the top industrial heritage museums in San Francisco:

  1. Exploratorium1

    Exploratorium

     San Francisco, CA
    The Exploratorium is a museum of science, technology, and arts in San Francisco, United States. It is characterized as a 'mad scientist's playground, a scientific funhouse, and an experimental laboratory, all in one.' The participatory nature of its exhibits and its self-identification as a center for informal learning has led it to be cited as the prototype for participatory museums worldwide.
  2. Cable Car Museum2

    Cable Car Museum

     San Francisco, CA
    The Cable Car Museum is located in the Nob Hill neighborhood of San Francisco, California. This museum is free to enter, making it an accessible option for tourists of all budgets. It offers a unique insight into the history and workings of the city's iconic cable car system.
  3. Maritime Museum - Aquatic Park Bathhouse Building3

    Maritime Museum - Aquatic Park Bathhouse Building

     San Francisco, CA
    The San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, located in San Francisco, California, is a comprehensive destination for maritime history enthusiasts. The park features a collection of historic vessels, a visitor center, a maritime museum, and a library/research facility. These facilities provide a deep dive into the maritime history of the region and offer a unique experience for visitors.
  4. Wells Fargo History Museum4

    Wells Fargo History Museum

     San Francisco, CA
    Built on the site of former Wells Fargo Bank, this museum features various exhibits on the history of banking. The exhibition is both interesting and educational - drive a stagecoach or see how vintage bank machines worked.
  5. San Francisco Railway Museum5

    San Francisco Railway Museum

     San Francisco, CA
    The San Francisco Railway Museum is situated in the South of Market area of San Francisco. This location is easily accessible and is in close proximity to other popular tourist destinations in the city. The museum's location makes it a convenient stop for tourists exploring the city.
  6. American Bookbinders Museum6

    American Bookbinders Museum

     San Francisco, CA
    The American Bookbinders Museum, located in San Francisco, California, is a small, not-for-profit institution dedicated to the artistry, history, and craft of bookbinding. This unique museum provides an in-depth look into the intricate process of bookbinding, showcasing its evolution and significance throughout history.
  7. Nike Missile Site SF-887

    Nike Missile Site SF-88

     San Francisco, CA
    SF-88, located in the Marin Headlands north of San Francisco, California, is a former Nike Missile launch site at Fort Barry. This historical site offers a unique glimpse into the past, specifically the Cold War era. It was initially opened in 1954 with the purpose of protecting the population and military installations of the San Francisco Bay Area from potential Soviet bomber aircraft attacks.
  8. 8

    Academy of Art University Automobile Museum

     San Francisco, CA
    The Academy of Art University Automobile Museum is a non-profit institution situated in the vibrant city of San Francisco, California. The museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of automobiles, making it an interesting destination for car enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
  9. 9

    San Francisco Fire Department Museum

     San Francisco, CA
    This small museum presents the history of San Francisco firefighters through various memorabilia including vintage fire engines.