I remember the first time I saw the Palace of Fine Arts. I was young, maybe 9 or 10, yet it stuck with me. I think it ignited my love for travel, for recapturing that magical moment of discovery. For me, San Francisco’s Palace of Fine Arts is a place of peace, of wonder. It’s also coming home to a city I lived in for 15 years as a young adult.
I can look beyond the crowds, the cameras, even the brides, and somehow I can always find peace here. Since we left Seattle on an American road trip we have enjoyed both nature and man’s handiwork. The Palace of Fine Arts produces a different sense of wonderment than the massive redwoods, stunning Oregon coastlines, and flowing waterfalls we saw as we drove here from Oregon.
If you have never seen it before you are probably wondering about it. This monumental structure was built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition in San Francisco. Built in a Greco-Roman style, it was used to exhibit works of art. The majority of the fair’s buildings were destroyed, but this was kept on its original site. It was rebuilt in 1965 and retrofitted in 2009.
Practical Information:
- Covering 17 acres, it is located in San Francisco’s Marina District between Baker Street, Palace Drive, and Bay Street. The official address is 3301 Lyon Street.
- Visiting the Palace of Fine Arts is free.
- There is a small parking area on the side, which is also free. I have always been able to find a car park when I visited, but I think much of that is luck.
- The indoor building that used to house the Exploratorium is now home to Innovation Hanger. When we were there, they charged full entry price even though we only needed to use the bathroom facilities. Take note; there are no free facilities at the Palace of Fine Arts.
- The Palace of Fine Arts is on the US National Register of Historic Places.
Have you been to the Palace of Fine Arts? Have you seen it in movies?
If you enjoyed this article, please share it on social media, including Pinterest:
Lisa @ LTTL
I have only seen this in a movie. Off the top of my head I cannot even remember what movie, but I do remember thinking I need to see that in person. It is so pretty.
Lisa @ Life Thru the Lens
Rhonda Albom
It has been in lots of movies. Before I saw it for real, I thought it was a set.
Trekking with Becky
Wow! Getting married there must make magical photos! 😀 I don’t recall seeing it anywhere, but I’ll never forget it now. 😀
Rhonda Albom
On the flip side, it would be very public.
Deb Nance
That’s magnificent!
Rhonda Albom
I agree.
[email protected]
Oh one of the places we didn’t get to visit when we were in SF, what a great spot to explore.
Rhonda Albom
It’s hard to hit it all.
dNambiar
Such an artistic place.
It’s been a while since I saw The Palace of Arts. Your pictures are so, so beautiful, they make me want to go see the place again.
Rhonda Albom
That’s how I felt. As we crossed the Golden Gate bridge into San Francisco, it was our first stop.
Kristi
What beautiful grounds! It made for a picture perfect wedding.
Rhonda Albom
There were several brides there, just taking photos. I am guessing they don’t have to pay to do that.
Alissa Apel
Everything is so pretty! That architecture is so pretty! I’d love to live near there.
Rhonda Albom
Even when I lived here, it always somehow caught me by surprise when I turned the corner and there it was.
Cascia Talbert
Your photos are amazing. I bet you had a great time.
Rhonda Albom
San Fransisco is one of my favorite cities. We always have fun there.
Merlinda Little (Glimmer of Hope)
This is my dream place to go too! I always see this place in movies! Thanks for sharing amazing photos. Amazing details =)
Rhonda Albom
It’s right in San Francisco, near the base of the Golden Gate bridge.
Parent Club
Fantastic photos! I would love to visit there…
Rhonda Albom
I hope you get there some day.
Carol
I love the architectural details in old buildings and your photos are beautiful.
Rhonda Albom
Thank you. The grand size and the details make this structure incredible.
Nika Jane
I have never been in the Palace of Fine Arts and I don’t think if I saw this on Movies but it was beautiful. I thought it was just a small palace but the photo leaves me astounded, it was huge. Surely, I will share this to Pinterest.
Rhonda Albom
That massive, overwhelming feeling never goes away. Even when I lived within walking distance it still was a powerful place to visit.
Stacy Uncorked
Ohhhhh man what a beautiful place! And beyond awesome shots! Now I want to go see it in person… 😉
Rhonda Albom
Thanks Stacy. If you get the chance, do go see it.
Nancy
Such a marvelous place – and quite well photographed!
Rhonda Albom
Thank you. It is special.
Teresa Kindred
That is one unusual building. I would love to see it in person!
Rhonda Albom
It is massive and beautiful.
stevebethere
What a beautiful building love the way you captured it all
Have a photogenictastic day 🙂
Marie Moody
Although you joined our Monday’s Music Moves Me and what we do is post the finest of music.. not pictures… this is the finest of art I’ve seen in a very long time. Please join us again next week with a little music even if it’s only just one. I will not check no music on this one because your pictures are singing to me. They’re just too too awesome. It’s not fair to others, but as I said these are just awesome and the artistic melody is totally undescribable. Thank you for sharing.
Rhonda Albom
Glad you enjoyed my photos. I agree the Palace of Fine Arts is one of the finest works I’ve seen. Sorry about the linky.
Joyce Lansky
I love your great pictures. I want a life like yours. It looks like fun!
Cathy Kennedy
Rhonda, what a unique and beautiful place! Naturally, I have not been here with it on the other side of the country, but it would be awesome to see first hand. I’m sure I’ve seen it in movies, but I can’t swear to it. I love how you captured the wedding party! That really added a personal touch to your images. Oh yes and the downy little swans are just too cute for words. T
Rhonda Albom
The whole day was a great experience. The cygnets were a bonus that I had not seen here before.
Linda Bibb
That’s an impressive structure. It was hard to get a perspective of its size until I saw the people gathered within. I suppose it might be worth splashing $5,000 to host a wedding there … think of the scenery the wedding photographer would have to work with!
Rhonda Albom
I agree. The photos of a wedding there would be remarkable.
Patrick Weseman
Great photos. I have been there many times. Love it. You captured it perfectly.
Rhonda Albom
It’s nice that it has been kept and hasn’t changed in years.
Alex J. Cavanaugh
Such a unique site in San Francisco. Good thing they kept it.
Rhonda Albom
I agree. I wonder what the area would be like if they kept more of the original buildings.
Comedy Plus
Yes, hubby and I have visited here and it is most peaceful. A lovely place to enjoy.
You took some great shots.
Have a fabulous day. ☺
Rhonda Albom
Thanks. There was quite a crowd there the day we visited.
Molly
That is a stunning building.
Mollyxxx
Jeff Albom
I agree.
N J Magas
Oh~! I love this place, but I’ve never had the opportunity to explore it up close. I’ve only ever driven passed it. Thank you for sharing these gorgeous pictures. I’m going to have to go back and really experience it for myself now.
Rhonda Albom
Yes, please do visit the Palace of Fine Arts. It’s very peaceful.
Hilary
Hi Rhonda – what an incredible building … they certainly promoted their Expositions didn’t they … and workmanship … looks an amazing place to visit … cheers Hilary
Rhonda Albom
Thanks Hilary. It is amazing and I love visiting it.
Barbara Radisavljevic
As I looked at your photos, what struck me immediately was how tiny the wedding people looking inside the rotunda. It must be huge! I think the Palace of the Fine Arts would be a beautiful place to explore, but I’d miss that free public restroom.
Rhonda Albom
It is quite an impressive structure. I think there should be a public toilet there considering the number of people that come and visit.