San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Center facts for kids
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Beaux-Arts style War Memorial Veterans Building and courtyard park, seen from Van Ness Avenue.
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 San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Center
Location in San Francisco County
San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Center
Location in California
San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Center
Location in the United States
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| Address | 401 Van Ness Ave #110 |
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| Location | San Francisco, California, United States |
| Coordinates | 37°46′44.83″N 122°25′13.64″W / 37.7791194°N 122.4204556°W |
| Type | Performing arts center |
| Capacity | totals 7,500 seats |
| Opened | 1920 |
| Designated: | 1977 |
| Reference #: | 84 |
The San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Center (often called SFWMPAC) is a huge place for shows and events in San Francisco, California. It is one of the largest performing arts centers in the United States. This center covers about 7.5 acres (3 hectares) in the historic Civic Center area. It has many different venues with a total of 7,500 seats.
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What Happens at the Center?
The San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Center is a busy hub for many kinds of performances. You can see Operas, symphony concerts, and different types of dance, like modern and classical ballet. It also hosts theatre plays, recitals, and interesting lectures. Sometimes, special movie screenings, meetings, and big parties or gala events are held here too.
A Look at the Center's History
The idea for this large complex started in the 1920s. It was built on two city blocks facing San Francisco City Hall. The name "War Memorial" honors all the people who served in the First World War. This war ended seven years before the building project began.
The famous architect Arthur Brown Jr designed the center between 1927 and 1928. It is one of the last buildings in the Beaux-Arts style to be built in the United States. The project created two matching buildings with a beautiful courtyard park between them. These were the War Memorial Opera House and the Veterans Building. Both buildings were finished and opened in 1932.
From 1935 to 1994, the upper floors of the Veterans Building were home to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Later, in 1980, the new Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall opened. It is located across the street from the Opera House and is also part of the SFWMPAC.
The Center's Role in World History
The SFWMPAC has played a very important part in world history.
The United Nations Charter
On June 26, 1945, a major event happened in the Veterans Building's Herbst Theatre. The United Nations Charter was signed there by 50 countries. This signing followed a two-month-long meeting held in the Opera House. This charter created the United Nations, an organization that works for peace and cooperation around the world.
Ending World War II
In 1951, another important document was signed in the Opera House. This was the Peace Treaty with Japan. This treaty officially ended World War II hostilities with Japan.
Over the years, the Center has welcomed many important guests, including U.S. presidents and leaders from other countries. Since 1990, it has also been the place where the Goldman Environmental Prize is given out each year. This prize honors people who work to protect the environment.
Exploring the Performing Arts Venues
The San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Center includes several different venues. Each one is designed for specific types of performances and events.
War Memorial Opera House
The War Memorial Opera House is often just called the Opera House. It has 3,146 seats and was built in 1932. It was part of the original War Memorial Building project. Since 1932, it has been the main home for the San Francisco Opera and the San Francisco Ballet.
Veterans Building
The Veterans Building houses several important spaces:
- The Herbst Theatre has 916 seats. It is a smaller hall used for concerts, lectures, and presentations. It was part of the original Veterans Building and was first called the "Veterans Auditorium." In 1945, the original United Nations Charter was signed here. The theater was updated and renamed in 1977.
- The Green Room is on the second floor of the Veterans Building. It was first meant to be a lounge for World War I veterans. Today, it is used for performances and receptions. Many concerts, lectures, dinners, and meetings are held here each year. It is also a popular spot for fashion photography.
- The San Francisco Arts Commission Gallery is in the northeast part of the Veterans Building. This gallery shows different art exhibits that change regularly.
Davies Symphony Hall Building
Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall opened in 1980. With 2,743 seats, it is the main symphony hall in San Francisco. It has been the home of the San Francisco Symphony since it opened.
Zellerbach Rehearsal Hall
The Harold L. Zellerbach Rehearsal Hall is located near Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall. It has three rehearsal spaces. These spaces can be used for many different types of rehearsals and even for filming movies.
