Mayor Lurie Announces San Francisco Zoo To Offer Low-Cost Admission For Low-Income Residents

SAN FRANCISCO – Mayor Daniel Lurie today announced that the San Francisco Zoo and Gardens will begin offering reduced-price $3 admission to San Franciscans who receive public benefits through the San Francisco Museums for All program, run by the San Francisco Human Services Agency (SFHSA) in partnership with Treasurer José Cisneros. Last year, more than 200,000 people used Museums for All to access over 25 participating museums across the city.

The expansion of free cultural activities in San Francisco builds on Mayor Lurie’s work through his Family Opportunity Agenda to make bring down costs for working families. Under the Family Opportunity Agenda, Mayor Lurie has taken steps to expand free and lowcost childcare, while advancing housing production and affordability through the Family Zoning Plan and the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Last week, he launched a new season of free movies in Union Square, beginning with “KPop Demon Hunters” on June 20.

“Our world-class arts and culture organizations are here to serve every San Franciscan, not just those who can pay for it,” said Mayor Lurie. “Starting today, San Franciscans with Medi-Cal or CalFresh cards can visit our zoo for just $3, joining dozens of cultural institutions that are already part of our Museums for All program. From affordable childcare to free movies in Union Square, we are working every day to make San Francisco a city where working families can actually afford to live, play, and thrive.”

“Our goal over the past several months has been to make the zoo more accessible to the community,” said Cassandra Costello, San Francisco Zoological Society CEO and Executive Director. “Through the Museums for All program, San Francisco families with young children can experience and be awe-inspired by wildlife in an urban environment, without having to travel far. As a professionally accredited zoo, we aspire to educate and raise awareness of the importance of every species’ place on this planet and encourage guests to want to learn more.”

Started in 2019, the city’s Museums for All program provides free or significantly reduced admission to San Francisco residents who receive public benefits. Museums for All enables San Francisco residents with CalFresh or Medi-Cal cards to receive up to four free or significantly reduced tickets to any participating museum per visit.

To participate, eligible families need to bring to participating museums (1) an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) or Medi-Cal card and (2) proof of San Francisco residency, such as a driver’s license, student or college ID card, or library card.

“SF Museums for All provides a meaningful opportunity for low-income families to visit our city’s diverse cultural institutions and museums,” said Treasurer José Cisneros. “We are so excited to have the San Francisco Zoo join this program.”

“Art and culture bring joy, enrich lives, and strengthen communities. Through Museums for All, individuals and families who receive public benefits can also enjoy the world-class museums and cultural institutions that make San Francisco an amazing city,” said Trent Rhorer, SFHSA Executive Director. “We’re thrilled to partner with the San Francisco Zoo and Gardens, expanding access to the zoo’s remarkable wildlife, educational experiences, and family-friendly opportunities for discovery.”

Nearly one in four San Franciscans receive these benefits and can visit museums free of charge through this program. Tickets typically range from $20-$150 for a family of four, which can create a financial barrier for low-income families to experience the city’s world-class museums. Through San Francisco Museums for All, people from all walks of life and across income levels can gain access to museums they would otherwise not have. SFHSA has been promoting this program to the city’s residents who receive public benefits and promoting participation among community organizations that serve qualifying households, including children, older adults, and people with disabilities.

“San Francisco is fortunate to have extraordinary places where people can connect with art, nature, wildlife, and culture,” said Sarah Madland, San Francisco Recreation and Park Department General Manager. “With institutions like the de Young, Japanese Tea Garden, Conservatory of Flowers, San Francisco Botanical Garden, and now the San Francisco Zoo participating in Museums for All, more families can enjoy the experiences that inspire curiosity, learning, and stewardship.”

Participating institutions currently include: 

• American Bookbinders Museum 
• Aquarium of the Bay*
• Asian Art Museum 
• Cable Car Museum 
• Cartoon Art Museum 
• Children's Creativity Museum 
• Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco 
• Chinese Historical Society of America 
• Conservatory of Flowers 
• Contemporary Jewish Museum 
• de Young Museum 
• Exploratorium*
• Guardians of the City Museum 
• GLBT Historical Society Museum 
• Japanese Tea Garden 
• Legion of Honor Museum 
• Museum of the African Diaspora 
• Museum of Craft and Design 
• Museum of the Eye 
• Randall Museum 
• San Francisco Botanical Garden 
• San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) 
• San Francisco Railway Museum 
• San Francisco Zoo and Gardens*
• Tenderloin Museum 
• Walt Disney Family Museum 
• Yerba Buena Center for the Arts 

*Reduced admission