Palace of Fine Arts Tours

Palace of Fine Arts which includes a park, heritage architecture and chateau or palace
This Roman-inspired palace built in 1915 remains a modern-day renaissance center of fine arts and science. 

The Romanesque Palace of Fine Arts was created as a star attraction at the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition. The expo celebrated the completion of the Panama Canal and San Francisco’s recovery from the 1906 earthquake and subsequent fires. Designer Bernard Maybeck themed the construction around Roman ruins, drawing inspiration from both Roman and Greek architecture. His intention was to show “the mortality of grandeur and the vanity of human wishes.”

This is one of the few surviving structures from the expo. It has housed tennis courts and served as a store of military trucks and jeeps. A major restoration program in the ’60s restored the palace to its former glory, stripping it back to its basics and then rebuilding with new concrete, paving and landscaping.

Today it's the home to the Exploratorium, an exciting journey into the wonders and mysteries of science, with interactive displays and hands-on activities aimed at children.

The palace is in a peaceful space to walk, or enjoy a picnic. Surrounded by gardens and a swan-filled lagoon, sits the palace, a grand rotunda and 1,100-foot (335-meter) pergola. It’s a popular destination because of the serenity of its environment and the majesty of its architecture.

The Palace of Fine Arts is to the west of Fisherman's Wharf in the Marina District. On foot, it’s less than two miles (three kilometers) from Fisherman's Wharf past Ghirardelli Square. It is also easily accessible by public transport. Several Muni buses will take you there. There is a parking lot on the west side accessible from Lyon Street.

Plan a trip to see Palace of Fine Arts

Radisson Hotel Sunnyvale – Silicon Valley
The Domain Hotel
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Francisco Airport West
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Reviews of Palace of Fine Arts

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Dec 4, 2019

This is one of the most gorgeous places in California and a great spot to just wander around... easy access to the Marina Green too - and go check out the wave organ across the street!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Oct 13, 2019

Nothing like it anywhere else - breathtaking

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Sep 11, 2019

Beautiful place!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Aug 11, 2019

See it at night- beautiful!

5/5 - Excellent

MW
Jul 16, 2019

Beautiful free park to enjoy...near marina with great views of bridge.

5/5 - Excellent

ThommyG
Jun 24, 2019

Also included on the bike tour. You get an up close view

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Best Lodging Options Near Palace of Fine Arts

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Greenwich Inn
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.