A remnant of San Francisco's glorious past, this exquisite arts-and-science complex thrives in the Marina District.

by Contributor

In Short
Designed by architect Bernard Maybeck, this marvel was constructed in 1915 for the Panama-Pacific Exposition, which celebrated the completion of the Panama Canal and the rebirth of San Francisco following the 1906 earthquake. Today, it's home to the Exploratorium, an interactive science museum, as well as a 1,000-seat theater that's ideal for events, including the stunning Ethnic Dance Festival. At other times, it's used for film festivals, lectures and concerts.

10/17/06

Absolutely beautiful architecture

by olphart

The palace and surrounding grounds are absolutely a must to see. Unfortunately it's currently (10/06) being renovated and both the grounds and structures are closed to the public.

11/16/05

I love the place

by cortlimi

My husband and I love it so much we held our wedding there. It is a magical setting for a wedding. Our wedding was a Renaissance Theme, several dozen people in period clothing. It was a sight to behold. We had a woman come up to us and tell us that she sees weddings there almost every week (she lives across the street) and ours was the most beautiful and original she has seen in all the years she lived there.

The acoustics are very interesting. If you stand in the exact center of the rotunda, and clap your hands one time (loud) the sound echoes several times quite distinctly.

There are lovely swans, too. Swimming elegantly along. Creating a dreamlike atmosophere. Esp on foggy days (not many of those in SF, right?)

The only show I have seen there was my wedding, but it was a great one.

08/22/04

A San Francisco Treasure...

by vanessa21179

This structure is one of the most beautiful sights that San Francisco has to offer! Although it is not as well known as the Golden Gate Bridge you have the same sense of awe standing in the center of the Rotunda looking up as you do walking across the Golden Gate. The beautiful landscape includes a small lake, plenty of trees, a plush lawn and many animals from birds to squirrels to make it complete. If you are ever in San Francisco and have a free afternoon, I highly recommend stopping by!

01/29/04

Enchanting

by jenniferlea

The Palace of Fine Arts is absolutely enchanting. The architecture itself is phenomenal and there is so much wildlife...it's an amazing place.

I've never seen a performance there.

10/29/02

what a view!!!

by martinezj19

I visited the palace a few weeks ago for the first time and found it to be absolutely gorgoeus. Although there were bums, they did not bother us at all.The deteriorating statues and old architecture is exactly what gives it it's character.It was free and easy to get to using public transportation. The exploratorium, next door, I found to be overpriced and more for children. The palace is a must see..atleast once! And if you walk across the street, you have a great view of the golden gate bridge.

• Pros: beutiful view, free, easy to get to
• Cons: not much else to do

07/26/02

yeah, it was in that Mike Myers Film...

by sarahbethberg

Yeah, it was in that Mike Myers film, "So I Married an Axe Murderer" and "The Other Sister" to name just a couple. The Palace of Fine Arts is one of the most beautiful and romantic places in San Francisco. You're sure to see a wedding party there taking photographs or a couple smooching by the Corinthian architecture. For photographers (or those who just like to take pretentiously artsy black and white pictures), the grounds are an ideal location for that impromtu photo shoot.

• Pros: beautiful, fun, free