International Art Museum of America

1025 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA

Address:	1025 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA
Phone:	+1 415-376-6344
Site:	iamasf.org
Rating:	3.8
Working:	Closed 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM

Location

+−

Leaflet

Photos 100

Reviews 12

A Private User

My wife and I visited this museum today. Unfortunately, we realized part way through that the majority of the art work was a scam. Let me explain... The museum starts of with a large sculptured bust of the "Buddha III," the supposed reincarnated Buddha that created 90% of the "art" in the museum. If you dont believe he is really the reincarnated Buddha, worry not, he has "certificates" to prove it. Yes, certificates. The first work shown is actually very impressive. It is some sort of heat molded foam covered in an epoxy resin, molded to look like a cave structure or some sort of mineral deposit. Then, I read the placard. The muse, claims that this was a divinely created piece of art that is beyond the measures and understanding of science and technology, and that no other human being could possibly create its equal in this world. Once you reach the "oil paintings," look closely and you will see so outer pixels. Yes, every single damn one of the paintings were printed. They are covered in a brushed on, clear silicone to make it appear as though there are brush strokes from a distance. Then, we walked back and looked at every single painting in the museum. Sure enough, every single one had pixels if looked at closely enough. Basically, the only entertainment is the shear stupidity of the claims made on the placards. If you are looking for a true art gallery, do not go here. But if you want to find some humor in the blindness of a small cult following of an egotistic fake Buddha, then enjoy the information placards next to each photoshopped print off!

steven pav

I dont know what this is all about. Around 80% of the work displayed is by one person, the H.H. Chang Dorje Buddha III, or some such. His works span a number of different styles, from the amateurish Chinese calligraphy to the incompetent Impressionism impressions to the embarrassing Van Gogh ripoff to the fake rock paintings. The most inscrutable are the fake rock frames, some of which appear to weigh hundreds of pounds, most look like they are crafted of Muppet poop, and several framing lenticular photos of cave scenes, one with a tableau of an Orange hippo-man/Mr. T with a bandolier harassing a hobbit on a horse. What is this place? Admission is free, many of the rooms are unused, the translations of text are stilted, and almost all of the work is by one artist, described in adulation, an artist not heard of in the West. Yes, this is some sort of cult and/or tax write-off conspiracy. And it is free and weird. The downstairs looks like a life size shoebox diorama of a pastoral scene. Go see this place before the IRS shuts it down.

Natta Quintero-Hong

This is a very different and unique museum. Something super original and strange and gorgeous and mesmerizing. This place is magical, and the art here is really really out of the box. Is something that we are not used to see and maybe this is why people have written reviews with very crazy connotations and silly theories. People have difficulties understanding the new, the strange and the cutting edge. The different styles and techniques are very vast. And is just very very different. If you are a person looking for something new you should come with an empty mind and let yourself be touched by the beauty of the abstract mind and the jumps of the soul.--------------------------------------- Una experiencia muy bella. Este museo es algo de muy original y lo recomiendo si eres una persona que esta buscando algo diferente en el arte y en la vida.

Liz W

Good thing: beautiful garden on the ground floor. 1. Most pieces are from the same artist - h.h. dorje Chang. They call him h.h. Dorje Chang buddha III. Buddha. Buddha? 2. Chinese art dominates the whole house. Its not international like the museum name suggested. 3. The placecards are full of artist info but rarely about the art piece. To make it more unprofessional, there are biased opinions. 4. The light reflected on glass panels is so bright. This is the most brightly lit art museum on earth. I couldnt attempt to see the details without blinding myself. Are those paintings legit?? Dont they worry that light could speed up aging of the pieces - assuming theyre authentic? So many things blew my mind. Its not an art museum!

Micheal Echo

This place is straight up weird. The kind of weird that can only be explained by some kind of ulterior motive at work. Other reviewers suggest cult, but my theory is that this place is a kind of propaganda fabricator, attempting to create international legitimacy for Chinas control of Tibet by presenting a "certified" Tibetan master/reincarnation of the Buddha himself who happens to have a passing interest in the visual arts and whose authenticity is firmly in the control of the Chinese government. Is that too cynical or paranoid of a theory? I challenge you to come up with a better explanation after visiting this place. Its trying hard to look like one, but it sure as hell isnt an art museum.

Behzad Naghshinehpour

I dont often get much free time, but when I do have it. I treasure it. I would have to say that today was a day well spent at IAMA. I was able to really relax in their garden and just enjoy all the art they had to offer. I cant really think of a better way to spend time than looking and learning about such beautiful artwork. I especially liked the coral statues and the flemish oil paintings. I definitely all take another sunny day downtown to explore more hidden museums like this one. (free too)

Camilo Carreno

This "museum" is kind of a joke, I was lucky the entrance was free cause I would have regretted any amount of money I invested there. 90% of the artwork is all done by Dorje Chang Buddha III, youll find plaques next to his artwork (which is actually not bad) with hilariously over the top descriptions of it, calling it beyond natural, and a gift from God amongst other superlatives. There is some artwork by old flemish masters but nothing too intersting

Stephen Schur

Good for 1-on-1 meetings in the fairy tale cottage settings on the ground floor and even better on first Thursdays with wine or live music. I ask you, what other museum gift shop features flooring samples. A visit to the affiliated Hua Zang Si temple located at 3126 22nd St is also enjoyable, before or after a stop at the nearby gelato place.

Anand Patel

Stumbled upon this walking down market Street. They offered free admission on the Saturday I went. The art was interesting, and they where presented in a nice way. Most exhibits had some informative text next to them which I thought was nice. The place was not to busy when I went around 3pm only 2 other people. The Staff was also friendly.

Ally E

I called Loretta, the Director, looking for someone in charge of Marketing. She gave me a quick number to call instead and when I asked her (politely) to repeat the extension, she just said "OK Im very busy please speak with Audrey instead" and hung up. Disgusted by the managements lack of consideration for those they work with.

Anna Ravenscroft

Lovely unexpected gem of a museum. A variety of Chinese and European artwork. The tags on the Chinese paintings were delightful as the paintings themselves. Several spots to sit and sketch or just relax away from the noise of Market street while waiting for theater to open. Definitely a maze, as another review mentioned.

Jonny Ceron

I highly recommend this museum in San Francisco. the indoor garden is absolutely breathtaking offering a true feeling of tranquility. Sculptures were amazing however, the Chinese ink paintings and calligraphy were my favorite. Definitely a must do when visiting San Francisco.