The Transamerica Pyramid

Why go

The Transamerica Pyramid is defined by the form, materials, and setting of The Transamerica Pyramid. Another layer comes from the sightlines that connect The Transamerica Pyramid with its surroundings. Plan The Transamerica Pyramid by remembering to confirm public access to The Transamerica Pyramid and local conditions. After The Transamerica Pyramid, choose a geographic companion near The Transamerica Pyramid; this keeps The Transamerica Pyramid geographically coherent and avoids forcing The Transamerica Pyramid into an unrelated crossing.

What to look for

• Look closely at the form, materials, and setting of The Transamerica Pyramid.
• Notice the sightlines that connect The Transamerica Pyramid with its surroundings.

The full story

The Transamerica Pyramid is the tallest skyscraper in the San Francisco skyline. The building no longer houses the headquarters of the Transamerica Corporation, which moved their U.S. headquarters to Baltimore, Maryland, but it is still associated with the company and is depicted in the company's logo. Designed by architect William Pereira and built by Hathaway Dinwiddie Construction Company, at 853 ft , on completion in 1972 it was the eighth tallest building in the world. The Transamerica building was commissioned by Transamerica CEO John (Jack) R. Beckett, with the claim that he wished to allow light in the street below. Built on the site of the historic Montgomery Block, it has a structural height of 853 ft (260 m) and has 48 floors of retail and office space. Construction began in 1969 and finished in 1972, and was overseen by San Francisco-based contractor Dinwiddie Construction (now Hathaway Dinwiddie Construction Company). Transamerica moved its headquarters to the new building from across the street, where it had been based in another flatiron-shaped building now occupied by the Church of Scientology of San Francisco.

Useful to know

• For The Transamerica Pyramid, confirm public access to The Transamerica Pyramid and local conditions.
• Pair The Transamerica Pyramid with a geographic companion near The Transamerica Pyramid when the route and opening conditions align.

Your next visit

Estimated · Declared scenario and planning estimates; no live opening, weather, queue or booking service.