Palace of Fine Arts
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The Palace of Fine Arts is a San Francisco landmark. The building was designed by Bernard Maybeck. The original columns and Rotunda were framed in wood, and covered with "staff", a mixture of plaster and burlap-type fiber. It was the largest building ever to be made of that material. Since the building was built for the exposition and intended to only last a year, durability was not of concern.
William Merchant, who was from Maybeck's office, designed many of the Palace's decorative elements. He also spent the last ten years of his life until 1962 planning the Palace's restoration.
The gallery area now houses the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre and the Exploratorium. The theatre, which seats 1,000 in a continental-style configuration, was added in 1970.
6 Reviews for Palace of Fine Arts
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10 families found this helpful
"It was alright"
Some people love this place, but personally, i dont really get it. Also i wouldn't recommend it to people who are thinking of taking little kids, they might get really bored. Im an adult, and i even got bored.Well maybe your kids have a better attention span than me!!
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0 families found this helpful
"Duck Duck Goose"
If your kids like ducks, geese and swans- GO! It is a nicely remodeled pond and the new Lucas films is nearby to give you another little park to check out. it is also right by the water and a great place for long walks. Careful at night, my dog got SKUNKED!
0 families found this helpful
"Beautiful place!"
So beautiful that we took some wedding portraits here a while back (as do many couples!) This is right outside the Exploratorium and is a fun place to watch ducks and stroll around. The architecture is pretty neat for adults and the kids like the grass. :) Bring your camera as it's a great place for some beautiful photos!
'10
1 family found this helpful
"Palace of Fine Arts & The Exploratorium"
The destination really is the Exploratorium - a science "hands on" museum for kids. The Palace of Fine Arts would be a bonus on a sunny day. There are ducks and turtles in the ponds for the kids to watch and grass for the kids to run around on.
0 families found this helpful
"Lots of history"
The Palace of Fine Arts was built for the San Francisco exposition - it has housed so much history since its inception. Plus, it is a beautiful work of art. Enjoy a stroll through the arches and a look at the beautiful lake. Plenty of places to picnic.
0 families found this helpful
"Exploradora!"
Young children will enjoy the pond in front of this picture perfect building which is home to ducks. Other than that, the building is more impressive to adults. School age children find the Exploratorium fascinating. The Exploratorium is truly worth a visit and is great on those cold foggy San Francisco days.
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