Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco

For over 90 years, the Palace of Fine Arts has been a part of the history and culture of San Francisco.  Originally designed for the 1915 Panama Pacific Exposition, to celebrate the completion of construction on the Panama Canal, it was also a way for San Francisco to come back after its infamous 1906 earthquake and fire.  It is representative of classic Roman and Greek Architecture, complete with a rotunda, stately columns and adjacent lagoon.

After the Exposition closed, the Palace of Fine Arts went through numerous “lives” before eventually becoming part of the San Francisco Park System.  It fell into disrepair in World War II (it served as an Army motor pool), and the area was eventually declared a public hazard.  Fortunately, it rose to grandeur again following aggressive fundraising efforts.

Today the stately landmark sits in the middle of Walter S. Johnson Park in the Marina District, and serves as a performing theater and special events venue.  It’s been home to many special events including concerts, movies (Time After Time, The Rock, Twisted, So I Married an Axe Murderer) and television shows (The Streets of San Francisco, Monk, Nash Bridges), and educational events.  It is also popular for weddings (GREAT photo opportunities) and other private events.

The Palace of Fine Arts is in need of a little tender loving care, and fundraising efforts are again underway to help return this beautiful site to its rightful grandeur.

The Exploratorium, an interactive museum dedicated to science, nature, art and technology, occupies the space that was once the exhibition hall.  Exploratorium was founded by Frank Oppenheimer, who earned his science chops working on the Manhattan Project.

Photo credit:  flickr