What is the Women’s Building known for?

It is a women-led community space and a longtime center for feminist organizing, mutual aid, community services, and transformative justice in San Francisco. It is recognized as the first woman-owned and operated community center in the United States.

Is it free to visit or participate in programs?

Yes, all programs at the Women’s Building are free and are available in both English and Spanish.

What services does the Women's Building provide?

The building offers various services including financial coaching, legal aid, community support, a food program, and assistance with affordable-housing applications.

The Women's Building is located at 3543 18th St in San Francisco’s Mission District.

What is the history of the building?

Founded in 1971 as San Francisco Women’s Centers, the organization purchased Dovre Hall (formerly Mission Turn Hall) in 1979 and renamed it the Women's Building in 1978.

What should I check before going?

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

Women’s Building in San Francisco

Women’s Building

A historic Mission District landmark and feminist own-and-operated community center dedicated to social justice, gender equality, and mutual aid for women, immigrants, and LGBTQIA+ people.

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What to know

The Women’s Building is a four-story structure on 18th Street in San Francisco’s Mission District, serving as a longtime center for feminist organizing, mutual aid, and transformative justice. Founded in 1971 as the San Francisco Women’s Centers, the organization eventually purchased Dovre Hall in 1979, transforming it into the first woman-owned and operated community center in the United States. The building's history is deeply tied to second-wave feminism and the feminist movement of the 1970s, reflecting the ideals of creating a more equitable society. Beyond its historical significance, the building functions as a women-led community space advocating for self-determination and social justice. It has empowered over 10,000 women, immigrants, and LGBTQIA+ individuals through vital services such as financial coaching, legal aid, and community support. The facility serves more than 20,000 people annually, providing resources like affordable-housing application assistance and a food program among its resource clinics. Recognized for its cultural and historical weight, the site has been a San Francisco Designated Landmark since March 1, 1985, and was added to the National Register of Historic Places on April 30, 2018. The structure was originally known as Mission Turn Hall from 1910 to 1935, and later as Dovre Hall before taking its current name in 1978. Today, it continues to operate as a venue for parties, meetings, and events, while maintaining its core mission of community empowerment.

Visitor tips

Programs offered by the building are free and available in both English and Spanish.
If you are looking to book an event, the venue typically books Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Allow extra time to admire the MaestraPeace Mural on the exterior wall.

Nearby context

Located on 18th Street, the Women's Building is a central part of the Mission District's vibrant community. It is situated near the MaestraPeace Mural and The Chapel, blending historical activism activism with the neighborhood's modern social scene.

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