Pier 24

There's something about museums that really gets me. It's zen. I go in, usually feeling like I'm in about five million places - late, disorganized, hair blown about by the wind, five bags hanging gracelessly about me that I sheepishly hand to the coat check. Jittery from too much caffeine and usually flushed or sweaty from rushing to get in the door on time.

But all of that melts away in the first room and I get a glimpse of the deep peace that art gives me. Given the reaction of many others when I suggest a trip to a museum, I would venture to say that this feeling doesn't happen to us all. Evan, for instance, doesn't share my love of museums. I might be fairer to say that he runs the other way screaming unless they are aviation or war related.

Anyway, if you like museums at all, and if you have a hankering to see some good photography, I highly recommend Pier 24. It's a bit of an oddity: it's free, but you need a reservation and they kick you out after two hours. Then again, it's in a glorious location, on the bay right next to the bay bridge, and it's perfect for a contemplative photo walk before or afterwards. There are some stunning photographs there, too. Irving Penn, Lee Friedlander, Robert Frank, Diane Arbus, Jim Goldberg, Richard Misrach (whose work I was unfamiliar with but I LOVED), Todd Hido (who was also an unexpected treat).

Anyway, highly recommended. If you like museums. I do.