War Memorial Opera House

What to know

The War Memorial Opera House is a landmark cultural institution owned and operated by the City and County of San Francisco. Opened in 1932, the building stands as one of the last Beaux-Arts structures built in the United States. It was designed by the prominent American architect Arthur Brown Jr., who is also credited with the design of San Francisco City Hall. Located at 301 Van Ness Avenue at Grove Street, the venue is a cornerstone of the city's performing arts scene. It serves as the official home for both the San Francisco Opera and the San Francisco Ballet. The scale of the facility is immense, featuring an auditorium with 3,006 seats, though some records list the total capacity at 3,146 seats. Beyond its architectural grandeur, the opera house is recognized for hosting the city's most dynamic classical performances. The venue is part of a larger performing arts center that, when combined with other onsite venues, offers a total capacity of almost 7,000 seats. This makes it a central hub for high-capacity cultural events in the heart of the city.

Visitor tips

• If attending a board meeting, use the North Carriage Door located in the horseshoe driveway on the north side of the building.
• For those driving, utilize the Performing Arts Garage located at 360 Grove Street at Gough.
• After your visit, take a short walk into the adjacent Hayes Valley neighborhood to find nearby restaurants and bars.

Nearby context

The opera house is situated at the intersection of Van Ness Avenue and Grove Street, bordering the Hayes Valley neighborhood. This location places it within easy walking distance of the city's dining and nightlife options in Hayes Valley.