Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Street-by-Street: Civic Center
San Francisco's main public space is a
triumph of planning and design. Its
well-balanced Beaux Arts architecture
(see p49)
, with the impressive dome of City
Hall, is a tribute to San Francisco's energy
in the years after the 1906 earthquake
(see pp30-31)
. Construction started with
the Civic Auditorium, completed in 1915 for
the Pan-Pacific Exposition
(see p72)
. This
was followed by the City Hall, Library, and
War Memorial Arts complex.
The State Building
, completed in 1986, was
designed by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill.
The building mirrors the curves of the
Davies Symphony Hall, one block away.
3
San Francisco Art
Commission Gallery
is also here.
6
Veterans Building
Home to the Herbst Theater and
various veterans' associations.
5
.
War Memorial Opera House
The distinguished San Francisco Opera
and Ballet companies both perform in
this elegant spot.
4
Louise M. Davies
Symphony Hall
The San Francisco Symphony
Orchestra, founded in 1911, is
based here. Completed in 1981, to
a design by Skidmore, Owings and
Merrill, the hall has a grand
lush interior.
Key
Suggested route
