At San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf, the Cartoon Art Museum brings together comic strips, graphic novels, anime, political cartoons and animation art. Its collection spans more than 7,000 pieces, with original work reaching back to the 19th century, while rotating exhibitions give each visit a different focus. Browse displays devoted to familiar characters and cartoonists, then settle into the reading room or watch classic Warner Bros. cartoons in the theater. Drawing tables and workshops add a hands-on stop for families and comic art fans.
A collection across cartoon art
The Cartoon Art Museum preserves and displays cartoon art in many forms, including newspaper strips, comic books, graphic novels, anime, political cartoons, drawings and animation cels. Its collection numbers more than 7,000 objects, with work dating from the late 19th century to the present.
The museum was founded in 1984 by cartoon art enthusiasts. Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz supported the project, and the collection includes original Peanuts artwork donated by Schulz. The museum’s focus reaches beyond comic books to cartoon art across print and animation.
Rotating exhibitions and original work
Exhibitions change, so check the museum’s website before your visit if you have a particular artist or subject in mind. Past displays have focused on characters including Wonder Woman, Popeye and Garfield, as well as the work of Edward Gorey and Charles M. Schulz. Other exhibitions have explored wartime comics and political cartoons.
Original pieces let you look closely at how cartoon art is made and how styles have shifted over time. Depending on the exhibition, you may encounter comic strips, production art or costumes and props connected to comic characters. The changing program gives returning visitors a reason to check what is on view.
Reading, screenings and drawing
The reading room has comics and other material to browse at your own pace. A theater room screens old Warner Bros. cartoons, and drawing areas invite children and adults to create their own comic art. The museum also runs workshops where visitors can work on making comics; check the website for current offerings.
A Batman treasure hunt provides another activity during a visit. The gift shop sells souvenirs, so leave time to browse if you want to take something home. Families can combine looking at the displays with the hands-on activities, while readers may want to spend longer in the reading room.
Planning your visit
Plan for roughly an hour to see the museum, and add time for drawing, reading or the gift shop. If you are choosing a day around a particular exhibition, confirm the current program online before setting out. The address listed for the museum is 275 5th St, 4th Floor, San Francisco.
FAQ
How long does a visit to the Cartoon Art Museum take?
Plan for about 40 to 60 minutes. Allow longer if you want to use the reading room, draw or browse the gift shop.
What can you see at the Cartoon Art Museum?
The collection includes comic strips, comic books, graphic novels, anime, political cartoons and animation art. Rotating exhibitions cover artists, characters and themes from across cartoon art.
Does the museum have activities for children?
Yes. Drawing tables and workshops let visitors create their own comic art, and there is also a Batman treasure hunt.
Is there a reading room at the Cartoon Art Museum?
Yes. The museum has a reading room, as well as a theater room that screens old Warner Bros. cartoons.
