Tour the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco

Visiting the Palace of Fine Arts is one the top things to do in San Francisco, appealing to tourists and locals alike. Located in the Marina District in sight of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Palace of Fine Arts was designed by architect Bernard Maybeck for the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition.
The Palace of Fine Arts is a beautiful example of Beaux-Arts architecture and features a stunning domed rotunda and colonnades of Corinthian columns. The building was intended to be a temporary structure for the exposition but was so popular that it was rebuilt as a permanent fixture in the city.

Morning Guided San Francisco Sightseeing Tour
Most complete and entertaining San Francisco city tour available. Stops to explore Golden Gate Bridge, Palace of Fine Arts, Land’s End, and Twin Peaks.

Guided Alcatraz and San Francisco City Tour
This full-day guided tour breaks you into Alcatraz and explores the Palace of Fine Arts, Golden Gate Bridge, Land’s End and Twin Peaks.
What Can You Do at the Palace of Fine Arts?
Today, the Palace of Fine Arts is a popular spot for photography, picnics, and outdoor events. The large, open space in front of the building is a great place to relax and take in the views of the lagoon and the beautiful architecture.
In addition to the stunning architecture and peaceful surroundings, the Palace of Fine Arts is also home to the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre. The theatre is a popular venue for concerts, plays, and other live events.
You can check out their latest events calendar here.
Palace of Fine Arts Tours and Exhibits
If you’re interested in history, visit the Palace of Fine Arts Exhibit Hall, which features exhibits on the history of the building and the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition. You’ll learn about the incredible engineering and construction that went into creating the building, as well as the history of the exposition and the impact it had on San Francisco.
Overall, the Palace of Fine Arts is a top attraction for first-time visitors to San Francisco. Its stunning architecture, peaceful surroundings, and rich history make it a true gem of the city. Whether you’re taking a stroll through the park, attending a live event, or planning a team-building activity in San Francisco, the Palace of Fine Arts is a beautiful and memorable destination.
Book a Palace of Fine Arts Tour Today
The Palace of Fine Arts is a key stop on Extranomical’s sightseeing tour of San Francisco. You’ll have time to photograph the building, grounds, and lagoon. Book a guided city tour with Extranomical today.
FAQs
Is the Palace of Fine Arts free?
Yes, it’s free to visit the Palace of Fine Arts. There’s no charge to visit the park, but you may need to pay for shows or special events held at the venue.
What happened to the Palace of Fine Arts?
The Palace of Fine Arts was demolished in 1964 (except for part of the steel structure). It was rebuilt and reopened in 1974. It was originally built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition.
What was filmed at the Palace of Fine Arts?
Several movies have been filmed at the Palace of Fine Arts, including Vertigo, The Rock, and Bicentennial Man. Shows like Monk and Sense8 have also been filmed there, and it’s even served as the backdrop for Wheel of Fortune.
Can you see the Golden Gate Bridge from the Palace of Fine Arts?
Yes, you can see the Golden Gate Bridge from the Palace of Fine Arts. It’s a great place to get photos of the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance.