Image via Complex Original
So much of what makes San Francisco distinct comes back to architecture. This is the city, after all, where you can still see Victorian-style apartments with quirky features painted in outlandish colors. It’s also the city defined by two bridges, the silver Bay Bridge and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge (which to most tourists’ disappointment is actually red). San Francisco also has an incredible ability to rebuild itself after catastrophic events like the 1906 earthquake. Many of its most important buildings have survived a few traumatic events of their own, making them even more valuable. Whether motivated by a classical style or an environmentally friendly goal, San Francisco’s most notable structures make the city’s architectural style diverse and exciting. These are just a few of the buildings in the city you should know.
City Hall
As the ornate backdrop to many newlyweds’ photos, City Hall could perhaps be called the city’s most well known architectural gem. Built in 1915, the structure features one of the tallest domes in the country. In 1978, it even won an award from the American Institute of Architects for its expert use of the French Renaissance architectural style. An iconic building, it often lights up during the night and coincides with major events such as the legalization of gay marriage and the Warriors’ championship win. Designed by Arthur Brown, it features classical elements like Doric columns. Inside, you can spot a stunning marble staircase.
Palace of Fine Arts
As part of the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition, Bernard R. Maybeck modeled the Palace of Fine Arts after a Roman ruin. In 1964, it was demolished but thankfully reconstructed after the efforts of many people to make it a permanent fixture in the city. Now, visitors can walk through its rows of Corinthian columns and gaze up at a stunning dome. Many residents also enjoy sitting on the grass nearby and gazing out at the small lagoon. The Greek and Roman influence is obvious here and stepping into the Palace almost feels like leaving the city altogether.
Transamerica Pyramid
Built in 1969, the Transamerica Pyramid was once the site of Transamerica Corporation headquarters. Today, it still holds the honor of tallest building in the city and stands at more than 800 feet high. It consists of 48 floors, topped by a spire that measures more than 200 feet. This immediately makes it stand out against other buildings surrounding it, especially because of its pyramid shape. William Pereira & Associates built the structure with this shape due to shadow restriction laws and with the idea of blocking as little sunlight as possible. It also happens to work aesthetically, catching the eye of many a tourist in the city.
Coit Tower
Thanks to Lillie Hitchcock Coit’s love of the city—and the financial gift she left behind—San Francisco residents can see the city from up high on Coit Tower. The single column sits atop Telegraph Hill and offers an observation deck to gaze out at the city below. Built in the Art Deco style, it stands at more than 200 feet high. Also designed by Arthur Brown, the tower commemorates the volunteer fire department (at Coit’s request). The tower’s interior features important murals from the Works Progress Administration era, which depict scenes of workers and city life. Grab tickets at the tower to take the elevator up to Instagram-worthy views.
Conservatory of Flowers
Originally commissioned by a wealthy 19th-century man named James Lick, the Conservatory of Flowers was eventually purchased by a group of important people (like Leland Stanford) and gifted to San Francisco. After a few challenges—including environment changes and an explosion—the Conservatory was rebuilt and opened to the public. Modeled after standards of Victorian and Italianate architecture, the stunning glass and wood structure is home to exhibits that feature aquatic plants, tropics, and more.
California Academy of Sciences
The first things you notice about the California Academy of Science are the large green domes atop the structure. Known as the Living Roof, it helps naturally insulate the building and absorb rainwater. Its native plants keep the butterflies and bugs nearby happy; the area is also the largest concentration of these plants in the city. Renzo Piano designed the building—which houses an aquarium, rain-forest habitat, and more—by supplementing his architectural knowledge with biological information. The result is a stunning building, inside and out, that is also extremely sustainable.
Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption
As architectural structures, cathedrals can oftentimes be stunning in their scale and ornate features. The Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption takes a more minimalistic approach. Its modern style includes an angular exterior topped by a cross. Built in 1971 by Pietro Belluschi and Pier Luigi Nervi, the cathedral features equally eye-catching angles in its interior. Four lines of stained glass meet in the middle to create a subtle yet gorgeous view. Taking inspiration from the modernist movement, the structure is an obvious nod to the growing urban landscape of the city.
