The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) is one of the most important modern art museums in the world, known for its ambitious exhibitions and exceptional collection of contemporary artworks. Its history is a story of dynamic growth, passion for art and constant evolution in response to the changing needs and tastes of society.

SFMOMA was founded in 1935 as one of the first modern art museums in the United States. Its originators included Grace L. McCann Morley, the museum's first director, and a group of art enthusiasts who noticed a growing interest in modern art forms. The museum was initially housed in a small building in Union Square, downtown San Francisco. Although space was limited, SFMOMA quickly gained recognition for its ambitious designs. In the 1940s and 1950s, the museum established itself by presenting works by artists such as Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko and, in the 1960s, Andy Warhol, among others, introducing local audiences to modern art trends.

In 1995, the museum decided to make a radical change. It was relocated to a new building designed by the famous architect Mario Botta. The new premises, located on Yerba Buena Gardens, was an example of modern architecture and innovative spatial solutions. Within a few years, it became an iconic venue that attracted art lovers from all over the world. In 2016, SFMOMA completed a monumental expansion that almost doubled the museum's exhibition space. The new space, designed by architecture firm Snøhetta, added additional galleries, exhibition rooms and visitor amenities to the museum. This expansion has not only increased the possibilities for the presentation of artworks, but has also enabled the museum to further develop its diverse collection and organise even more ambitious exhibitions. Today, SFMOMA is recognised as one of the leading museums of modern art in the world. Its collection covers works from the early 20th century to contemporary artworks, encompassing a variety of media such as painting, sculpture, photography, video and installations. The museum is renowned for its innovative exhibitions and commitment to contemporary art, adapting to changing trends and social themes.

SFMOMA's collection is the result of a carefully considered acquisition and donation strategy. The museum regularly acquires new works that enrich the collection and reflect current trends and developments in art. The museum often addresses social, political and cultural themes that are relevant to contemporary art in its exhibitions and collection profile. Many works in the collection address issues of identity, globalisation, politics and other key contemporary issues. The museum engages in discussions about the role of art in society and its impact on social and political issues.

The museum's collection encompasses key art movements of the 20th and 21st centuries such as abstractionism, abstract expressionism, pop art, minimalism and conceptual art, among others. Works by artists such as Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, Mark Rothko and Cindy Sherman are part of this extensive collection. Contemporary photography is also an important part of the collection - the museum has one of the most important collections of photography in the world, including both classic and contemporary artists. Works by Ansel Adams, Dorothea Lange and Diane Arbus are key elements of this collection, which explores the evolution and impact of photography on art and culture. Another important area is interactive and multimedia art. The museum addresses the question of how new media affect the way artists create and present their works, and how they affect the viewer's experience.

The museum's collection includes works by Polish women and men artists:

Magdalena Abakanowicz, 'Four on the Bench', 1990, jute, resin, wood and steel, 181 × 228 × 100, the work is currently on display (2024) on the 6th floor as part of the exhibition 'German Art after 1960', https://www.sfmoma.org/artwork/FC.682.AE

Mirosław Bałka, 'Historia', 1988, plaster, jute, straw, steel, ceramics, cm 190 × 50 × 50 cm, https://www.sfmoma.org/artwork/2000.38.a-c/

Wojciech Fangor, "M 63", 1969, oil on canvas, 143 x 143, https://www.sfmoma.org/artwork/77.98/ , see more about the work in the polonica catalogue

Witold Janowski, "Red Desert", 1966, 97 × 66 cm, https://www.sfmoma.org/artwork/2000.535

Jerzy Jaworowski, "Skłóceni z życia (Misfits)", 1962, poster, 84 × 58 https://www.sfmoma.org/artwork/2000.536/