War Memorial Opera House

San Francisco, California

War Memorial Opera House

Location: San Francisco, California
Category: Theatres

About

Overview

The War Memorial Opera House is a historic performing arts venue located in the Civic Center district of San Francisco. Opened in 1932, it serves as the home of the San Francisco Opera and the San Francisco Ballet. The building is renowned for its Beaux-Arts architecture, designed by Arthur Brown Jr., and is part of the San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Center.

History and Significance

Constructed as a memorial to soldiers who served in World War I, the Opera House hosted the first plenary session of the United Nations Conference on International Organization in 1945, where the UN Charter was drafted. The venue has a seating capacity of over 3,000 and continues to host world-class operatic and ballet performances, contributing significantly to the city's cultural landscape.