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Transamerica Pyramid: San Francisco's Iconic Skyscraper

Visit San Francisco's iconic Transamerica Pyramid, a symbol of innovation and architectural ingenuity in the heart of the Financial District.

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The Transamerica Pyramid, an iconic fixture of the San Francisco skyline, stands as a testament to innovative architectural design. Completed in 1972, this pyramid-shaped skyscraper, located in the Financial District, offers a unique visual experience and is a must-see landmark, despite no longer housing the Transamerica Corporation's headquarters.

A brief summary to Transamerica Pyramid

  • 600 Montgomery St, San Francisco, Financial District, California, 94111, US
  • Visit website

Local tips

  • Visit the Redwood Park at the base of the Pyramid for a peaceful escape and unique photo opportunities.
  • Check out the visitor center in the lobby for historical information and a virtual view from the top.
  • Explore the nearby Chinatown and North Beach neighborhoods for a taste of San Francisco's diverse culture.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Union Square, walk northeast towards Chinatown, then continue towards the Financial District. The Pyramid is a 20-minute walk and easily visible. As you approach, you'll find it on Montgomery Street between Clay and Washington Streets.

  • Public Transport

    Take BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) to the Montgomery Street Station. From there, it's a short walk to the Transamerica Pyramid. Alternatively, use Muni bus lines 1, 10, 12, 20, or 41, or the California cable car line. Get off at a nearby stop such as Clay St & Montgomery St, which is a 2-minute walk. A single Muni fare is around $3.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available throughout San Francisco. A short ride from Fisherman's Wharf or Union Square will typically cost between $11-$15, depending on traffic. Be sure to specify '600 Montgomery Street' as your destination.

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Discover more about Transamerica Pyramid

The Transamerica Pyramid, located at 600 Montgomery Street in San Francisco's Financial District, is a landmark that has become synonymous with the city itself. Completed in 1972, the 853-foot (260 m) structure was commissioned by Transamerica CEO John (Jack) R. Beckett, who wanted to allow more light to reach the streets below. Designed by architect William Pereira, the pyramid-shaped building was initially met with mixed reactions, but it has since become a beloved symbol of San Francisco. Built on the site of the historic Montgomery Block, the Transamerica Pyramid boasts 48 floors of office and retail space. Its unique design features a broad base that tapers as it rises, enhancing the building's stability. The exterior is clad in white precast quartz-aggregate panels, and the majority of its 3,700 windows can be rotated 360 degrees for interior cleaning. Two 'wings' flank the upper levels, housing elevator shafts. While the upper floors are not accessible to the public, visitors can explore the lobby and a visitor center that features videos about the skyscraper's history and live camera footage from the top. A unique feature of the Transamerica Pyramid Center is the private Redwood Park, a tranquil urban oasis with redwood trees transplanted from the Santa Cruz Mountains. The park also features a fountain and sculptures, providing a serene escape from the bustling Financial District. In 2020, the building was purchased by SHVO and Deutsche Finance America, and in 2022, a renovation project was initiated with architect Norman Foster to redesign the interiors. Although the Transamerica Corporation moved its headquarters to Baltimore, Maryland, the Pyramid remains a powerful symbol of the company and is featured in its logo.

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