The Architecture of San Francisco
The architecture of San Francisco is a captivating blend of historic charm and modern innovation, reflecting the city’s rich and diverse cultural heritage. From its iconic Victorian and Edwardian homes that line the city’s hilly streets, known as “Painted Ladies,” to its sleek, contemporary skyscrapers that pierce the skyline, San Francisco’s architectural tapestry is a testament to its ever-evolving identity.
San Francisco’s architectural journey is marked by significant periods, such as the Gold Rush era, which left a legacy of ornate buildings, and the mid-20th century modernist movement, characterized by the distinctive Transamerica Pyramid. With a backdrop of stunning natural landscapes, including the Golden Gate Bridge and the Pacific Ocean, San Francisco’s architecture continues to inspire and enchant both residents and visitors alike.
Highlights of San Francisco Architecture
The Conservatory of Flowers, Lorn & Burnham (1879)
Palace Hotel, Trobridge & Livingston (1909)
Palace of Fine Arts, Bernard R. Maybeck (1915)
Hallidie Building, Willis Polk (1917)
450 Sutter Medical/Dental Building, Timothy Pflueger (1929)
War Memorial Opera House, Arthur Brown Jr. and G. Albert Lansburgh (1932)
Malloch Building, Irvin Goldstine (1937)
Sing Chong, Ross and Burgren (1937)
V.C. Morris Gift Shop, Frank Lloyd Wright (1948)
Scottish Rite Masonic Center, Albert F. Roller (1959)
Crown Zellerbach Building (aka One Bush Plaza), Sidmore, Owings & Merrill (1959)
Marin County Civic Center, San Rafael, Frank Lloyd Wright (1962)
St. Mary’s Cathedral (aka Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption), Pietro Belluschi and Pier Luigi Nervi (1967-1971)
The Transamerica Pyramid, William Pereira and Harry D. Som (1972)
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Mario Botta (1995)
Legion of Honor Museum Renovation, Edward Larrabee Barnes and Mark Cavagnero (built 1924, renovated 1995)
M.H. de Young Museum, Herzog & de Meuron (2005)
Oakland Cathedral (aka Cathedral of Christ the Light), Craig W. Harman (2008)
Contemporary Jewish Museum of San Francisco (previously Pacific Gas Electric Jessie Street Substation), Willis Polk (1907), Daniel Libeskind (2008)
California Academy of Sciences, Golden Gate Park, Renzo Piano Building Workshop and Stantec Architecture (2008)
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art Expansion, Snøhetta (2016)
Apple Park, Cupertino, Foster+Partners (2017)
Salesforce Transit Center and Salesforce Park, Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects (2018)
MIRA Tower, Jeanne Gang, Studio Gang Architects (2020)
Oceanwide Center, Foster + Partners, Heller Manus Architects (2021)