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Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring War Memorial Opera House.
Local know-how to help you travel smarter and make the most of every moment.
War Memorial Opera House: A Beaux-Arts Masterpiece
Home to the San Francisco Opera and Ballet, this Beaux-Arts landmark offers world-class performances and a glimpse into history.
The War Memorial Opera House, opened in 1932, is a stunning Beaux-Arts building and home to the San Francisco Opera and San Francisco Ballet. It's a historical landmark that has hosted world-class performances and significant events, including the drafting of the United Nations Charter.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to War Memorial Opera House
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
301 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, Fillmore District, California, 94102, US
Discover more about War Memorial Opera House
The War Memorial Opera House, located in San Francisco's Civic Center, stands as a monument to the city's artistic and historical legacy. Designed by Arthur Brown Jr. and G. Albert Lansburgh, the building showcases a Beaux-Arts architectural style, featuring elegant lines, a vaulted ceiling, marble foyer, and sweeping balconies.
Since its opening in 1932 with a performance of Puccini's Tosca, the Opera House has been the home of the San Francisco Opera and, since 1933, the San Francisco Ballet. The Opera House has a seating capacity of 3,146, offering an intimate yet grand setting for performances. Beyond its artistic significance, the War Memorial Opera House has also played a role in international events, serving as the site for the signing of the peace treaty restoring Japanese sovereignty in 1951 and the first assembly of the United Nations in April 1945.
The Opera House suffered major damage in the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake and was extensively renovated in the 1990s. The renovation preserved the original design while adding modern amenities and seismic upgrades. Today, the War Memorial Opera House continues to host more than 60 performances annually and remains a vibrant center for arts, culture, and creativity.
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Getting There
Public Transport
The War Memorial Opera House is easily accessible via public transportation. From the Civic Center BART and MUNI stations, it's a short walk. Exit the station and head towards Van Ness Avenue. The Opera House is located at the corner of Van Ness Avenue and Grove Street. MUNI bus lines 5, 47, and 49 also stop nearby. A single ride on MUNI costs $3.00 ($2.50 with Clipper card/MuniMobile). BART fares vary depending on the distance traveled; for example, the fare from SFO to Civic Center/UN Plaza is $9.65.
Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft provide a convenient way to reach the Opera House. The designated drop-off and pick-up location is typically the white loading zone at 301 Van Ness Avenue, directly in front of the Opera House. A short ride from downtown San Francisco will likely cost between $15 and $25, depending on traffic and surge pricing. Taxi fares consist of a $4.15 initial charge, $0.65 for each additional 1/5 mile, and $0.65 for each minute of waiting time.
Driving
If driving, be aware that parking in the Civic Center area can be limited, especially during performances. Several parking garages are located within walking distance, including the Performing Arts Garage (360 Grove St), Civic Center Plaza Garage (355 McAllister St), and Opera Plaza Garage (601 Van Ness Ave). Parking rates vary, with hourly rates ranging from $3 to $6 and daily maximums around $26-$32. The Performing Arts Garage offers hourly rates that range from $3-$5 depending on the time of day, and a daily maximum of $26. Consider arriving early to secure a parking spot.
A brief summary to War Memorial Opera House
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