With so many wonderful museums and cultural points of interest, it can be hard to decide exactly what to explore and experience while visiting our city. Above is a video highlighting a few points of interest that we recommend visiting while staying at the Inn at the Presidio along with a brief history and description of each.
SF MOMA (Museum of Modern Art): Although currently under construction, SF MOMA is making its mark throughout the city with rotating installations, talks and performances. SF MOMA ON THE GO is the name of this innovative program.
War Memorial Opera House: The War Memorial Opera House opened in 1932 as the home of the San Francisco Ballet and the San Francisco Opera and has remained so ever since. Designed by Arthur Brown Jr., the same architect who designed San Francisco’s City Hall, it’s a beautiful and elegant setting to take in a show.
Davies Symphony Hall: Completed in 1980, Davies Symphony Hall is the permanent home to the San Francisco Symphony. The Symphony itself however, has its roots dating back to shortly after the 1906 earthquake when civic leaders decided that the city needed its own orchestra as a way to spark a revised cultural presence. Today, the Symphony continues to evolve its programming as a way to stay at the forefront of cultural events in the city.
California Academy of Sciences: The California Academy of Sciences also has long-standing roots in San Francisco. Founded in 1853, just three years after California joined the United States, this natural history museum is among the largest in world playing host to to over 26 million specimens. In 2008, the Academy debuted its new home in Golden Gate Park. The building itself is a marvel complete with an aquarium, green house and living roof. It was also awarded the Urban Land Institute Award for Excellence in 2008.
de Young Museum: The new home for the de Young Museum, created by Swiss Architect firm, Herzog & de Meuron opened its doors in 2015 but the de Young Museum itself has been around since 1894 when it was housed in the Fine Arts Building in Golden Gate Park. Michael H de Young, co-founder of the San Francisco Chronicle was the Chair of the original exposition committee. The museum, originally housing an eclectic collection of artifacts and curiosities is now of the most respected museums showcasing art, textiles and costumes from around the world.
