Step inside some of San Francisco’s most historic concert venues and civic buildings on a behind-the-scenes tour of the War Memorial and Performing Arts Center, right in the heart of the city.
The War Memorial and Performing Arts Center is home to three landmark buildings: the Veterans Building, War Memorial Opera House, and Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall. Each has its own unique character—and countless stories that have helped shape the cultural history of San Francisco. Along the way, you’ll discover the people, performances, and moments that brought these remarkable spaces to life.
Tickets are $10 and can be purchased through Eventbrite.
Monday, October 19, 2026 | 10:00 – 12:00pm
Monday, November 16, 2026 | 10:00 – 12:00pm
Monday, December 14, 2026 | 10:00 – 12:00pm
We’ll explore all three buildings, with stops in performance spaces and backstage areas that are not typically open to the public. Depending on the performance schedule, access to certain spaces may vary, but every tour offers a unique glimpse behind the curtain.
The tour lasts approximately 1½ to 2 hours and begins in the Veterans Building Lobby at 401 Van Ness Avenue. We’ll make our way through the complex before concluding at Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Avenue.
Come explore the architecture, history, and stories behind the stages where San Francisco has gathered, celebrated, and made music for generations.
Group Tours
For inquiries about group tours, please contact by emailing tours@sfwarmemorial.org
Tours begin at the Veterans Building Lobby located at
401 Van Ness Ave. San Francisco, CA 94103
Our Civic Center campus is conveniently located near the Van Ness Muni Metro Station at Van Ness Avenue and Market Street and the Civic Center/UN Plaza BART and Muni Station at Market and 8th Streets. Muni bus lines 5, 6, 9, 21, 47 and 71.
We encourage guests to take public transportation when visiting the San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center. paid parking is available nearby at the Impark – Performing Arts Garage Lot 201, 360 Grove Street (at Gough Street), and the Civic Center Garage Lot 200, 355 McAllister St.
Yes. Our campus is wheelchair accessible. Elevators and ramps to all floors are available.
San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center
401 Van Ness Avenue, Room 110 | San Francisco CA 94102
P: 415.621.6600 F: 415.621.5091
