The Museum of Performance & Design (MPD)

About

The Museum of Performance & Design (MPD), formerly the San Francisco Performing Arts Library & Museum, 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.

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 programs documenting the diverse cultural legacy of the performing arts in California and beyond, including an extensive collection of oral histories of performing artists from varous disciplines.

The Museum's extraordinary exhibitions, educational services, and outstanding artistic programs reach more than 200,000 youth and adults every year.

Galleries and Research Library are open free to the public. However, a $5.00 suggested donation per visitor is requested from non-MPD Members in order to defray expenses.