The San Francisco Palace of Fine Arts was originally built to display works of art for the Panama-Pacific International Exposition in 1915, but was mostly rebuilt in 1965. It is currently enjoyed by visitors for its beauty, as well as by locals for private and corporate events and weddings. The entrance to the Palace of Fine Arts is often lively; you can often see children running about and playing in the open space. The lake and surrounding trees are also home to wildlife, such as ducks, birds and raccoons. The Palace of Fine Arts is designed in the Parisian Beaux-Arts-style and the interior of the rotunda's dome is exquisitely decorated. On top of the dusky red stone pillars stand sculptures of nymphs, which are a favorite subject of many photographers. The theater to the rear at the Palace of Fine Arts is a venue that also regularly hosts many diverse stage performances.
Other visitors' reviews of Palace of Fine Arts
Show More ReviewsThe Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco resembles a forgotten Roman ruin. Domed columns stand on the lakeshore, the walls weathered and worn, and swans glide slowly across the water. Sitting on the steps, munching on a sandwich, pigeons stroll around your feet. Long shadows stretch as you pass through the arches, the afternoon sun illuminating the stone's texture with crystal clarity. It doesn't feel like a tourist attraction; it feels more like a place for nearby residents to stroll and daydream.