What is Arion Press known for?

Arion Press is the only printer in the United States that makes books entirely by hand from comma to cover under one roof. It is known for pairing leading artists with literary classics to create museum-quality, limited-edition books.

Arion Press is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Arion Press is located at 2 Marina Boulevard, Landmark Building B, Suite 100, San Francisco, California 94123, within the Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture.

Can visitors tour the facility?

Yes, visitors can visit the retail/gallery space and get glimpses of the bookmaking process first-hand. For more information on tours of the historic printing and bookmaking facilities, visitors are encouraged to check their website.

What is the history of Arion Press?

Founded in 1974 by Andrew Hoyem as the successor to the Grabhorn Press, it has operated for over half a century. It is designated by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as an irreplaceable cultural treasure.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Arion Press in San Francisco

Arion Press

A masterclass in traditional bookmaking, Arion Press is the only U.S. printer crafting limited-edition books entirely by hand, from the casting of type to the final cover binding.

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What to know

Founded in 1974 by Andrew Hoyem, Arion Press serves as the successor to the renowned Grabhorn Press. It is distinguished as the only printer in the United States that produces books entirely by hand, from comma to cover, all under one roof. The press collaborates with leading artists to reimagine literary classics, creating museum-quality limited editions that pair contemporary art with literary treasures. The production process takes place in a 10,000-square-foot facility designed by JENSEN Architects, located at the Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture. This space houses the last unified hot-metal type foundry, letterpress workshop, and book bindery in America. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has designated this facility an irreplaceable cultural treasure due to its integrated capabilities. Arion Press utilizes historic machinery that dates back to the 1910s. Notably, the press employs the same machines used to cast the U.N. Charter in 1945 to produce its contemporary artist books. Since 2000, the press has operated under the nonprofit Grabhorn Institute, which was formed to preserve Arion Press and M&H Type. Visitors to the Fort Mason location can explore a retail and gallery space. Guests are also invited to catch glimpses of the exquisite bookmaking process first-hand, observing how a dedicated team of bookmakers, including typecasters and binders, brings these physical masterpieces to life.

Visitor tips

Visit between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.
Check the official website for information regarding scheduled tours of the printing and bookmaking facilities.
Allow time to browse the retail and gallery space to see examples of their limited-edition prints.

Nearby context

Arion Press is a resident of the Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture, situated on the northern edge of San Francisco. This creative hub places the press among other artists and galleries, making it a focal point for those exploring the city's waterfront arts scene.

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