Old Mint

What to know

The Old Mint, located at 88 5th St, is a towering example of Greek Revival architecture. Originally built in 1874 to produce U.S. currency, the building's designs were completed in 1868 by Supervising Architect Alfred B. Mullett and his staff. Its imposing structure earned it the affectionate nickname the Granite Lady after it miraculously withstood the catastrophic earthquake and fire of 1906. Throughout its operational life, the facility played a global role in finance. By 1934, the Mint stored a significant amount of the country's gold and coined money for foreign nations, including China, Japan, the Philippines, and various Latin American countries. The facility continued these operations until it officially closed as an operating mint in 1937. Today, the building is a National Historic Landmark, designated as such in 1961. It is also recognized as California Historical Landmark No. 87, dedicated on October 3, 1949. In a poetic turn of history, the City of San Francisco purchased the building from the federal government in 2003 for the price of a single 1879 silver dollar. Visitors can now explore the site through the Museum of San Francisco's vault exhibit. The interior features majestic columns and a 4,000-square-foot courtyard. A highlight of the experience is the glass enclosure in the main exhibit hall, which allows guests to peer down into the underground brick vault where gold was once stored.

Visitor tips

• Visit the vault exhibit Thursday through Saturday between 10 AM and 4 PM.
• Remember to secure a free ticket for admission to the museum's vault exhibit.
• Allow extra time to admire the Greek Revival columns from the sidewalk if the interior is closed for private events.

Nearby context

Situated in downtown San Francisco, the Old Mint is located just minutes from the Moscone Center, placing it in the heart of the city's commercial and event district.