Built back at the start of the 20th century in time for the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition, for which it was to be the central masterpiece, the Palace of Fine Arts is a stunning venue inspired by classical architecture. Its designer Bernard Maybeck took his cue from both Roman and Greek styles to create a complex that was based on Roman ruins, intended to depict the morality and the vanity of human aspirations towards glory.
It was a fitting theme, as the expo was meant to mark the successful completion of the Panama Canal as well as San Francisco's recovery from the devastating earthquake of 1906. This palace is one of the few remaining original structures that has survived from the expo to this day. Over the years, it has housed tennis courts and welcomed military trucks and jeeps as a storage facility. It wasn't until the 1960s that a large-scale restoration programme was conducted to bring the site back to its original state. It was rebuilt with new concrete, as well as given new paving and landscaping.
Today, if you come and pay a visit to the spot, you'll get to see the fascinating Exploratorium. Here you can embark on a thrilling journey that will give you an incredible insight into some of science's most enchanting wonders, as well as its intriguing mysteries. It is a perfect spot to bring children, with interactive exhibits and hands-on fun and games that will keep them occupied for hours.
If however you simply want to enjoy a quiet stroll or have a picnic, this is a great spot for it. The palace is surrounded by stunning gardens, a lagoon where you can see the swans, a grand rotunda, and a 335-metre-high pergola. Many visitors head here just to enjoy the calm, peaceful environment.
Located less than three kilometres west of Fisherman's Wharf in the Marina District, you can reach the Palace of Fine Arts on foot from the wharf. Alternatively, you can use public transport including the Muni bus, or drive and park on the west side via Lyon Street.
