Personality Plus Culture in San Francisco

San Francisco has outdone itself as a cultural mecca. This season, straight from the Musee National Picasso in Paris, more than 100 Picasso masterpieces are displayed at the de Young Museum in  gorgeous Golden Gate Park and there is just enough time to catch the extraordinary Gertrude Stein collection at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.  The exhibit traces the life and friends of the Stein family featuring an extensive display of the works of leading artists of the early 20th century including Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso.  The life and works of another creative genius are on permanent display at the Walt Disney Family Museum.  The extensive exhibition sheds light on Disney’s remarkable life and accomplishments as one of five children whose extraordinary creative talent was evident at an early age.  The museum, geared mostly to an adult audience,  tells the story of the man behind the myth in Disney’s own voice and exhibits. The extensive list of other major  San Francisco’s museums includes the Asian Art Museum, Cable Car Museum, California Academy of Sciences, Cartoon Art Museum, Contemporary Jewish Museum and Legion of Honor.  For a cultural adventure, San Francisco’s offerings rank among some of the finest in the world.

While on a museum tour, one of the most conveniently situated and charming boutique hotels in San Francisco, just a short walk from Union Square is the sleek, contemporary Diva Hotel.  The  flagship of the Personality Hotels, it exudes a cutting edge style.  The entrance to the hotel features the Diva Sidewalk of Fame, featuring the signatures of past celebrity guests.  With four suites, 19  Junior Suites and 12 Executive rooms, the newly renovated Diva exhibits a palate of sophisticated charcoal grey and rich plum with custom designed black and white furnishings.  For that extra special occasion,  Suite Atellier features a large whirlpool bath, spacious shower with dual shower heads, a wet bar and sleek living room outfitted with a beautiful sculptural fireplace…nice to come back to after a day of museum outings.

For information:  Hotel Diva, 440 Geary St., San Francisco, www.personalityhotels.com  (800/553-1900).