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.
A brief summary to War Memorial Opera House
- 301 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, Fillmore District, California, 94102, US
- +1415-621-6600
- Visit website
Local tips
- Arrive early to allow ample time for parking, especially during performances, as the Civic Center area can get crowded.
- Consider taking public transportation, as the Opera House is conveniently located near BART and MUNI stations.
- Visit the Opera Shop on the Mezzanine level for souvenirs and gifts.
- Check the performance schedule in advance, as the ballet season is typically in the first half of the year, and the opera season is in the second half.
- If attending an evening performance, join the after-party in the Main Lobby for food, drinks, and music.
Getting There
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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.
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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.
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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.
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