Historic San Francisco Venues

Designed by esteemed architect Julia Morgan (California’s first licensed female architect), this landmark has been a mainstay in Chinatown for more than 80 years. It now operates as a museum for the oldest Chinese-American cultural institution in the country. Eastern motifs adorn each space, complementing the museum’s fascinating collection of Chinese-American artifacts. Upstairs, three galleries and an outdoor courtyard total 10,000 square feet and can accommodate as many as 200 standing guests, or 120 seated. For intimate gatherings of 50-60 attendees, consider the 400-square-foot lower level, ideal for performances and receptions.

If it's an authentic Queen Anne Victorian venue you’re in search of, look no further than the Hass-Lilienthal House. Built in 1886 by renowned local architect Peter Schmidt, this property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is available for small weddings, social gatherings, corporate retreats and more. Entertain guests with a private docent tour where they’ll learn how the home miraculously survived the great earthquake and fire of 1906. Featuring original furniture and exceptional artifacts, the Hass-Lilienthal House is ideal for intimate soirees of 90 (seated) to 100 (reception) guests. Since all rental proceeds go toward the historic home’s preservation, planners can play a part in maintaining this San Francisco gem.

Between Union Square and Nob Hill, this stately venue sits in the heart of San Francisco’s theater district. This jewel box theater can seat 564 guests and accommodate myriad events, including presentations, performances and keynotes. An expanded lobby and upgraded orchestra seating are among the theater’s newest renovations. Show hall amenities abound, from top-of-the-line A/V packages and in-house catering to fun advertising opportunities using the theater’s prominent marquee sign. Planners in need of additional space might consider banquet rooms on the 10th and 11th floors, which feature vaulted ceilings, crystal chandeliers and sweeping city views.

Built in 1915 to show off the beauty of San Francisco during the Panama-Pacific International Exposition, the Palace of Fine Arts is one of the city’s most stunning landmarks. With a massive amount of event space, this venue is available for corporate events, trade shows, galas, weddings, and everything in between. There are multiple features within each of the event spaces, including breakout rooms for meetings and a bridal suite for weddings.

The Julia Morgan Ballroom is one of the most well-known venues in San Francisco. It hosts many events throughout the year, from product launches to history-making fundraising galas. The ballroom offers 4,060 square feet of unobstructed event space, and is located in the heart of the Financial District.

The Contemporary Jewish Museum works to make the diversity of the Jewish experience relevant for twenty-first century audiences, and also serves as an amazing event space. There are a wide selection of rooms in the museum that are available to rent for events, such as wedding receptions, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, film screenings and more.

Fort Mason, which is a waterfront National Historic Landmark in San Francisco, serves as an incredibly flexible event space. From five people to 3,800, Fort Mason Center can accommodate just about any kind of gathering you are planning, from a birthday party to a corporate convention. With beautiful views of the bay and a prime location, this is venue is one to check out.

The Legion of Honor is a museum in San Francisco and is part of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, which also administers the de Young museum in Golden Gate Park. Housing a large collection of art, including a full bronze cast of Rodin’s best known work, “The Thinker,” while also boasting a breathtaking exterior, the Legion of Honor is an ideal event space. With multiple spaces throughout the venue including the terrace, Rodin Galleries and the Court of Honor, events of all sizes can come to life here.

Located in Nob Hill and surrounded by some of the city’s nicest hotels, the Masonic has been part of San Francisco for over 50 years. The venue holds up to 4,000 guests, so events of any size are welcome. The Masonic is also just over a mile from Moscone Center, and also close to downtown San Francisco.