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War Memorial Opera House: A Beaux-Arts Masterpiece

Home to the San Francisco Opera and Ballet, this Beaux-Arts landmark hosts world-class performances and historical significance in the heart of San Francisco.

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The War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco, a Beaux-Arts architectural gem, has been home to the San Francisco Opera and San Francisco Ballet since 1932. It's a monument to WWI dead and a site of significant historical events, including the drafting of the UN Charter.

A brief summary to War Memorial Opera House

Local tips

  • Consider attending a pre-opera talk for engaging overviews of the performance.
  • 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.
  • Arrive early to allow ample time for parking, especially before performances.
  • Utilize public transportation, as the Opera House is close to BART and MUNI stations.
  • Be aware of the War Memorial & Performing Arts Center's bag policy; large bags may need to be checked.
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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. Use BART or MUNI to reach these stations. A single ride on Muni is $2.75 with a Clipper card or the MuniMobile app, or $3 cash. BART fares vary depending on the distance traveled.

  • Ride Share

    Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft can drop you off at the white loading zone in front of the Opera House at 301 Van Ness Avenue. A short ride from downtown San Francisco typically costs $15-$25, depending on traffic and demand.

  • Walking

    From many points in the Civic Center area, the War Memorial Opera House is within walking distance. For example, from San Francisco City Hall, walk west on Grove Street towards Van Ness Avenue. The Opera House will be on your right. This is a short, direct walk that should take only a few minutes.

  • Parking

    Several parking garages are located near the War Memorial Opera House. The Performing Arts Garage at 360 Grove Street is the closest. Other options include the Civic Center Plaza Garage at 355 McAllister Street and the Opera Plaza Garage at 601 Van Ness Avenue. Parking rates vary, but expect to pay $4 for 2 hours at the Performing Arts Garage. Some lots offer rates starting from $23.

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Discover more about War Memorial Opera House

The War Memorial Opera House, located at 301 Van Ness Avenue in San Francisco, stands as a testament to the city's rich cultural heritage and architectural grandeur. Designed in the Beaux-Arts style by Arthur Brown Jr. and G. Albert Lansburgh, it opened in 1932 as the first municipally-owned opera house in the United States. The building serves as a monument to San Francisco's fallen from World War I. The Opera House has a 3,146-seat auditorium that hosts more than 60 performances each year. It is the home of the San Francisco Opera and the San Francisco Ballet. Its ornate features include a grand lobby with a 38-foot ceiling. The interior boasts a high barrel-vaulted and coffered ceiling, staircases with overlooks, and a massive aluminum and glass chandelier. Beyond its architectural and artistic significance, the War Memorial Opera House has played a role in world history. In 1945, it hosted the first assembly of the newly organized United Nations. In 1951, the U.S. restored Japanese sovereignty in a ceremony held within its walls. The San Francisco Symphony performed most of its concerts at the Opera House from 1932 until 1980, when it moved to Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall. The Opera House suffered major damage in the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. It was renovated and seismically retrofitted in 1997. Today, it stands as the centerpiece of the San Francisco Performing Arts Complex.

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