Ogle the Architecture at the Palace of Fine Art
Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco: Tips to Visit this Free, Gorgeous Attraction in the Marina
The Palace of Fine Arts is a free attraction that features a beautiful dome and curved columns. It'south set in a colorful park on the northern side of San Francisco in the Marina Commune. It's one of my favorite places to sit back, relax, and enjoy the dazzler of the city.
It is one of just a handful of remaining structures from the 1915 Panama Pacific Exposition. It's the largest remaining structure and draws in hundreds of visitors a day.
It was built as a temporary construction for the expo and was supposed to be torn down. However, both visitors and locals fell in love with it, so the city of SF decided to keep information technology standing.
A view of the dome and the small lake on the eastern side of the edifice
In the 1960s, the metropolis of SF fully rebuilt the temporary structure to make information technology permanent. It was and then damaged in the 1989 earthquake. The city repaired information technology and did some retrofitting to ensure its survival during larger earthquakes. They likewise did more repairs to it in 2009. It celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2015 with several events all year long.
Before I talk a little about what you will see when you visit, let'southward take a stride back and await at the history of this construction. Yous can also click the links below to jump ahead to a specific superlative for your stay.
- More than Near the Palace of Fine Arts
- Visiting Tips & Map
- Guided Tours
- Where to Eat Nearby
- Parking Tips
- Movies Featuring Information technology
- How to Get Hither
Panama Pacific Exposition History
The 1915 Panama Pacific Exposition was a commemoration of the opening of the Panama Canal in 1914. This expo likewise turned into i of the about important events in the history of San Francisco.
Before the 1906 earthquake, San Francisco showed some interest in hosting this large international event. Yet, later the earthquake hitting, metropolis officials knew the consequence was critical for the city. With millions of visitors expected, information technology was one of the all-time means to showcase how far San Francisco had come up after the devastating earthquake.
SF was selected every bit the city to concur this large event presently after the earthquake hit.
You will find this at the Palace of Fine Arts where you can read even more well-nigh its history and its importance to the city of San Francisco.
The site but took four years to build. The buildings covered 635 acres of land in an area that is now the San Francisco Marina. Information technology stretched all forth the waterfront from Van Ness Street to Fort Point. In total, the buildings for the event housed more than 70,000 exhibits from effectually the world.
The Panama Pacific Exposition opened on February 20, 1915. For 288 days, more than nineteen million people from around the world visited San Francisco for the event.
At the close of the upshot in December 1915, the buildings were scheduled for demolition. However, the city decided to keep one of the most beautiful buildings -- the Palace of Fine Arts.
Weeping Women at the Palace of Fine Arts
When you lot walk effectually the Palace of Fine Arts, you lot will run into many beautiful compages and special art on the walls. The Palace was originally built in 1915 for the Globe's Fair. They decided to have it hither to show that San Francisco is alive and well afterwards the 1906 earthquake.
During the Globe's Fair, there were loads of stores and other temporary exhibits. The Palace was originally designed by Bernard Maybeck who wanted to make a grand building and choose to show off some classic European and classic style. Then why are at that place 4 weeping women congenital into i of the colonnades?
Because Mr. Maybeck wanted to show that, even though everything was recovering in San Francisco, and in that location was a major World'due south Fair happening right here, we should still remember the past and what has been lost to fourth dimension. Then, these four women face inwards and weep for the times gone by and what has been lost.
Beingness that this was originally only supposed to exist for the World's Off-white, and so knocked downwards, the city worked with the US government to exist given the land to become part of the Presidio. And then, luckily for us, the Palace and the 2 colonnades. Were saved and are however with united states of america today.
Fun Fact: They were originally going to exist partially covered in vines and flowers to make it even more than mournful, only information technology cost too much money, then they've continued to stay exactly as they were over 100 years ago.
More on the Palace of Fine Arts
This San Francisco allure was designed by famed architect Bernard Maybeck. The unabridged edifice is a work of art with intricate details on its columns and cute dome inspired by Roman and Greek architecture.
It's costless to stroll around the outside of the building. It is also the perfect place for a picnic tiffin or a identify to hang out to relax for a little while.
The beauty of the building attracts both locals and visitors. It is very common to see at to the lowest degree one wedding party taking pictures hither -- in fact, you might even encounter two or three during your visit.
To requite you a sense of work that went into the building, here are only a few pictures from my last visit.
A closer look at the columns and inside of the dome
A view of the top of the large columns that line the sidewalk on the western side of the building
Peaking through the columns at a statue on the Palace of Fine Arts
Another look at the detail of the gorgeous dome that is the centerpiece of this magnificent building
Palace of Fine Arts Swans
For those that birds, you will definitely desire to visit the Palace of Fine Arts to see them effectually the lagoon. There are many types of birds, including herons, seagulls, owls, and of course ducks and mallards. However. the most famous is Blanche, the mute swan. She is named a mute swan since her blazon rarely are vocal. However, she will quack one time in a while. She's over xx years old and is a Polish mute breed.
Something we beloved is that swans accept lived at the Palace of Fine Arts since it opened originally for the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exhibition. That ways they take been here as long as it has which is rather amazing. Being that the designers of the Palace didn't plan for these birds to stay hither at night, they never planned a special hiding spot for them.
Thankfully, swans know their way around and are smart. They constitute a fenced in expanse and go at that place to sleep at nighttime. For many years, there were ii swans that were e'er together, the abovementioned Blanche and her partner, Blue Foot. Sadly, Blue Boy died in 2020 at the historic period of 17. So, when you lot go there, make sure to wave at Blanche and give her a smile to help cheer her upwards.
Visiting the Palace of Fine Arts
The park is open both day and dark. Information technology's costless to visit and it usually takes about thirty minutes. You will find it at 3301 Lyon Street.
The map below offers a expect at the layout of this San Francisco attraction. In total, it sits on well-nigh 20 acres. The reddish dotted lines show the walking path in and around the park. The minor white expanse behind it is where you will find some on-site parking besides as a small lot but to its north. Both are marked with the blue 'P.'
I recommend visiting around lunch fourth dimension. Yous can choice up a sandwich or salad in the Marina and spend some time outdoors as you bask the Palace of Fine Arts equally you eat. There are enough of places to sit on the grass (shown in light-green on the map) and all offer amazing views. Y'all will observe a few ideas below on where to discover some of the all-time grab and become lunches in the Marina.
Bout Options
San Francisco Public Library Walking Tour: The San Francisco library has a number of complimentary walks throughout San Francisco. This 1 is a dedicated tour of the history surrounding the Panama Pacific Exposition and the Palace of Fine Arts. Your guide will likewise share with you more about the importance of this result to the revitalization of San Francisco. Find out more than here.
Premium City Bout: If you desire to see several top SF attractions, then bank check out this 4-hour guided bout. Information technology volition take you to several places around SF in addition to the Palace of Fine Arts including the Gold Gate Span, Lombard Street, Chinatown, and others. Some yous will meet from the tour bus and others are stops where y'all volition get out to encounter them for yourself for a couple of minutes. Visit GetYourGuide to larn more about this tour and to check for availability.
Hop On Hop Off Bout: If y'all prefer to explore on your own, and so bank check out Big Bus Bout'due south Hop On Hop Off Double-decker Tour. It includes twenty+ stops around SF including one at the Palace of Fine Arts. You can stay as long as yous want and so hop on the side by side bus to continue on your journey. Observe out more about the Big Autobus Tour here.
Palace of Fine Arts Theater
Within the building, you lot volition also detect a theater. They offer a diversity of shows throughtout the twelvemonth from theater performances to comedy. You lot will likewise find some great shows each holiday season. Hither are just a few of the top upcoming performances.
Where to Swallow Nearby
The Palace of Fine Arts is in the Marina Commune and only a couple of blocks away from ane of its main commercial streets, Chestnut. Here are just a few places close by that I recommend.
Grab & Get Options
Every bit I mentioned above, I love coming to the Palace of Fine Arts with a sandwich or salad and spending fourth dimension here as I eat lunch or a snack. Hither are my favorite places to catch something to bring with me.
The Sandwich Spot SF: This is the best place to catch a tasty sandwich. They accept a variety of options and are about a one-half mile abroad. You volition observe them at 3213 Pierce.
Marina Delicatessen & Liquors: Another great spot to grab a sandwich or a snack and enjoy information technology on the lawns of the Palace of Fine Arts. Information technology's about 5 blocks away at 2299 Chestnut.
Chestnut Street Coffee Roastery: This is some other spot that is about 5 blocks away. It's perfect if you demand a coffee choice me up for your visit. They also take catch and go sandwiches and salads. Yous will find it at 2331 Chestnut.
Other Options in the Marina
If you prefer to sit down down for a bit to consume either before or after your visit, here are a few of my recommendations.
Super Duper Burgers: This casual burger joint is perfect if yous want to take hold of a quick bite and keep exploring. Their bill of fare is elementary, and the food is tasty. 2201 Chestnut
Pluto's: Sandwiches and salads are on the menu at this coincidental, yet healthy stop in the Marina. 3258 Scott
Causwells: This bistro offers American cuisine with a European flare. They besides offering many dishes on their menu that are light and perfect for sharing. 2346 Chestnut
MAC'D: If yous love mac and cheese as much as me, you are going to never desire to leave MAC'D. It's a casual spot where you pick your pasta, your sauce and dig in! 3347 Fillmore Street
Tips on Where to Park
If you plan to drive to the Palace of Fine Arts, you will find several places to park. Parking on the street is very difficult as this is a neighborhood with hundreds of residents. However, at that place are several lots within a few blocks of the building.
Parking On-Site: You volition find a express corporeality of parking on-site. 1 lot is behind the edifice and the other is on the northern side. If you arrive early or visit during a tiresome time of the year, you lot might get lucky and be able to grab a spot right nearly the park.
Marina Dark-green/Yacht Road Parking: If you caput only north of the Palace of Fine Arts on Yacht Road, yous will find a free parking lot. You lot are free to park here during your visit and/or while y'all check out some other local attractions.
Crissy Field Parking: Some other option is to park at Crissy Field. This lot is also open to the public and free parking during the day. It's about a five-minute walk from this lot to the park. It'south a grass and clay lot and you tin can enter it from Mason Street.
It's all-time to select a parking expanse before yous arrive, add in the directions to your telephone and then use them to navigate to your parking area. They have closed off certain streets for turning, so it can be confusing when you arrive. By using a map on your phone, it will requite you lot the best directions to go to the lot when you go far.
Movies Filmed Near the Palace of Fine Arts
Do the pictures of the Palace of Fine Arts expect familiar? If and so, yous might have seen this beauty in several movies over the years. Hither are just a few of them.
When the Earth Came to San Francisco (2015) -- This is a documentary about the Panama Pacific Expo and the Palace of Fine Arts. I highly recommend watching information technology before you lot arrive.
The Rock (1996)
Vertigo (1958)
The Room (2003)
The Adult female in Red (1984)
Murder in the First (1995)
It's besides been featured in several TV shows over the years including Falcon Crest, Monk, Take chances and The Streets of San Francisco.
How to Get to the Palace of Fine Arts
The Palace of Fine Arts sits on the northern side of San Francisco. Since SF is only 7 miles by vii miles, y'all will find information technology's close to many of our pinnacle attractions and districts.
In the map below, the Palace of Fine Arts is the red star. Fisherman's Wharf is the blue star and Spousal relationship Foursquare is the green star. I've also highlighted Golden Gate Park with the xanthous star. Scroll down for additional tips on how to get here from these and other top locations around SF.
Pier 39 & Fisherman's Wharf: If you need to travel between Fisherman'southward Wharf and the Palace of Fine Arts, you take a few options. The distance between the two is near 2 miles. You can walk or take the bus. If yous plan to have the bus, pick up the #30 at Columbus Avenue and North Betoken (or on Due north Point on the western side of Columbus). Take it to its last terminate at Divisadero & Chestnut and you will be almost five blocks away.
Crissy Field: It's a quick walk betwixt Crissy Field and the Palace of Fine Arts. They are less than a half mile away from each other. Walk along Mason to get from 1 location to the side by side.
Union Foursquare: Union Foursquare is the greenish star on the map to a higher place. Information technology's nearly three.5 miles away from the Palace of Fine Arts. The best way to get hither is to take the #30 bus. Choice information technology upwardly at Stockton & Sutter and take it all the way to the end at Divisadero & Anecdote.
Aureate Gate Span: The Golden Gate Span is as well not too far away. You can either walk along Crissy Field to get between these two attractions or take the bus. If you walk, there is a steep hill with stairs to climb when you arrive. The walk is about two miles to the southern side of the bridge (it's some other 1.7 miles across). You lot can also pick up the #28 bus, which will accept y'all to the southern side of the span. You can pick it up at the bus stop at Richardson Avenue & Francisco Street. It'southward about a 5-minute walk to the stop and about a 10-minute ride (during non-commute hours) to the bridge.
Gilt Gate Park: Golden Gate Park is some other popular end for those visiting San Francisco. Information technology's on the western end of SF and is marked with the yellow star. Information technology'due south about 4 miles from the Palace of Fine Arts. You would take the same bus every bit the one for the Golden Gate Bridge, the #28. You lot will stay on this bus and continue on to the stop at Park Presidio Avenue & Fulton Street. From hither, you tin can enter the park and and then caput to your destination.
Hotels Well-nigh the Palace of Fine Arts San Francisco
Travelodge by Windham Presidio: This 2-star hotel is located right on the border of the Presidio. It is a classic looking hotel from the exterior, but up-to-date and very squeamish inside. We recall this is a skillful pick for people that want to get out, come across the city easily every bit there is a motorbus finish very close to it.
They have a free breakfast, and they are pet friendly. They are a AAA canonical hotel and they take limited free parking. It is only almost a ten-infinitesimal walk to the Palace of Fine Arts. It is about a 15-minute walk to the Palace of Fine Arts. 2755 Lombard Street
Club at the Presidio: If you want to have an feel like no other when in San Francisco, you will desire to stay hither. This was originally built as barracks for soldiers back in the late 1800s. Therefore, it has an all-brick outside and has great views to defend the city from attackers.
Some of the amenities include a free breakfast, evening wine and cheese reception, an outdoor fire-pit, and much more. Yous can become some of the all-time views of the Aureate Gate Bridge when you stay here. It is about a 15 to twenty-minute walk to the Palace of Fine Arts. 105 Montgomery in the Presidio
Hotel del Sol: This 3-star hotel is a very absurd place if yous want to go a chip retro and dorsum to the 1950s and withal have all the benefits of today's hotels. The rooms are very comfortable, the beds are soft, and you will not find some other hotel like this anywhere. Some of the fun features include hammocks, palm copse, and a heated outdoor pool in their courtyard.
They offer a gratis breakfast (including take hold of-and-go if you are in a hurry), parking, and more. Sometimes they fifty-fifty have specials such as "Park for a penny" or other surprising deals. It is about a x-minute charabanc ride or a 20-minute walk to the Palace of Fine Arts and 3100 Webster Street.
Source: https://www.sftourismtips.com/palace-of-fine-arts.html
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