I discovered the Museo Italo Americano San Francisco because of my love for the Italian language and culture.
The Museo Italo Americano is not only an off-the-beaten path museum showcasing works by Italian and Italian-American artists, but it is a place to learn to speak Italian and attend special events such as the Festa di Carnevale, a lecture, or film or book presentation – check their website for the schedule of events and classes.
You may not be familiar with the name Franc D’Ambrosio but he was one of the artists recently showcased in the Museo Italo Americano’s 40th Anniversary Permanent Collection Exhibit. Franc is best known for his role as the “Phantom” in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tony Award-winning Musical, The Phantom of the Opera. I had met Franc D’Ambrosio on a couple occasions but had no idea he was also an artist until I saw his painting in the Museo! It’s little surprises like this that keep me coming back to the Museo Italo Americano.
The Museo Italo Americano’s gift shop is open year-round and during the holidays, it holds a special Mercatino di Natale (Christmas Market) for all to enjoy. The items in the gift shop such as Murano glass jewelry, Deruta ceramics and specialty stationery and wrapping paper are all MADE IN ITALY.
P.S. The Museo is free!