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San Francisco, California / Public art

Portals of the Past

A hauntingly beautiful white marble fragment of a Nob Hill mansion, salvaged from the 1906 earthquake and relocated to Lloyd Lake as a symbol of San Francisco's endurance.

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Portals of the Past
Oren Rozen, CC BY-SA 4.0

What is Portals of the Past known for?

It is a San Francisco landmark and memorial commemorating the 1906 earthquake and fire. The site consists of a white marble archway and columns that were originally part of a mansion destroyed in the earthquake.

What is the history of the monument?

The original mansion was built in 1891 by Alban N. Towne at 1101 California Street. After the mansion was destroyed in the 1906 earthquake, the marble porch was relocated to Lloyd Lake in Golden Gate Park in 1909 as a symbol of the city's grief and endurance.

Where is it located?

It is located at John F. Kennedy Drive and 23rd Avenue, across from Hellman Hollow at Lloyd Lake in Golden Gate Park.

Can I reserve the site for a wedding or event?

Yes, reservations can be made up to one year in advance. If multiple applications are received for the same date, a randomized lottery system is used to award the reservation.

How much does it cost to reserve the site?

The reservation fee is $341, with an hourly rate of $85 (minimum 2 hours) and a $500 refundable cleaning/damage deposit. The hourly fee for outdoor weddings is waived for San Francisco resident Veterans.

What should I check before going?

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

What to know

Portals of the Past is a striking architectural fragment that serves as a memorial to the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire. The structure consists of white marble columns and an archway that once belonged to a grand mansion built in 1891 by Alban N. Towne. This original residence was located at 1101 California Street, situated on the southwest corner of California and Taylor streets. After the catastrophic earthquake destroyed the Nob Hill estate, the marble porch was salvaged and relocated to Golden Gate Park in 1909. Placed on the edge of the diminutive Lloyd Lake, the monument was intended to represent the city's grief and its subsequent endurance. It has since become a highly photographed landmark within the park, offering a regal contrast to the surrounding greenery. To ensure the monument's longevity, the San Francisco Arts Commission completed a restoration in 2008. This project involved cleaning the marble, repairing damaged pillars, and implementing seismic retrofits to protect the structure from future tremors. Today, the site is a popular location for weddings and special events, with a maximum capacity of 100 people. It is located at the intersection of John F. Kennedy Drive and 23rd Avenue, positioned across from Hellman Hollow.

Visitor tips

  • Visit during the golden hour for the best photographs of the white marble against the lake.
  • Allow extra time to explore the nearby Hellman Hollow across from the monument.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes as the site is located deep within Golden Gate Park.

Nearby context

The Portals are situated in a tranquil section of Golden Gate Park near Lloyd Lake. The site is located at the junction of John F. Kennedy Drive and 23rd Avenue, placing it in close proximity to the John F. Kennedy Promenade and across from the scenic Hellman Hollow.

Sources

Evidence and links