Why go
War Memorial Veterans Building is defined by the form, materials, and setting of War Memorial Veterans Building. Another layer comes from the sightlines that connect War Memorial Veterans Building with its surroundings. Plan War Memorial Veterans Building by remembering to confirm public access to War Memorial Veterans Building and local conditions.
What to look for
- Look closely at the form, materials, and setting of War Memorial Veterans Building.
- Notice the sightlines that connect War Memorial Veterans Building with its surroundings.
The full story
The San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Center is located in San Francisco, California. It is one of the largest performing arts centers in the United States. It covers 7.5 acres (3 hectares) in the Civic Center Historic District, and totals 7,500 seats among its venues. The complex was developed in the 1920s on two blocks on Van Ness Avenue facing San Francisco City Hall from the west. The "War Memorial" name commemorates all the people who served in the First World War, which ended seven years before the project commenced. It was designed by Arthur Brown Jr in 1927-1928, and is one of the last Beaux-Arts style structures erected in the United States. The project resulted in the construction of a matched pair of buildings across a formal courtyard park: the War Memorial Opera House; and the multi-purpose Veterans Building next door. Both were completed and opened in 1932.
Useful to know
- For War Memorial Veterans Building, confirm public access to War Memorial Veterans Building and local conditions.
- Pair War Memorial Veterans Building with a geographic companion near War Memorial Veterans Building when the route and opening conditions align.
Your next visit
Estimated · Declared scenario and planning estimates; no live opening, weather, queue or booking service.
Outdoor visit · 30–45 min
World planning estimate; admission, opening, visit duration and access need checking.