The building was the site of the 1945 United Nations Conference on International Organization.
It was the first municipal opera house in the United States to be built with public funds.
The 1932 opening performance was a production of Tosca.
The building survived the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake but required significant seismic retrofitting shortly thereafter.
Architect Arthur Brown Jr. also designed the neighboring San Francisco City Hall.
The grand chandelier in the auditorium weighs approximately 3,500 pounds.
The War Memorial Opera House, opened in 1932, serves as the permanent home for the San Francisco Opera and the San Francisco Ballet. Designed by Arthur Brown Jr., it is a prominent example of Beaux-Arts architecture located in the Civic Center district. The auditorium features a seating capacity of approximately 3,146 across its orchestra, boxes, and balcony levels. It is one of the last monumental public structures built in the United States in the Beaux-Arts style. The venue famously hosted the signing of the United Nations Charter in 1945. Its stage is equipped with sophisticated machinery and acoustic engineering to support large-scale grand opera productions. The interior features ornate gold leaf detailing, expansive ceiling murals, and a signature grand chandelier. The venue is part of the larger War Memorial and Performing Arts Center complex.
The main grand staircase in the lobby, featuring the expansive archways and gold-trimmed decor.
Arrive early to walk through the lobby and view the historical exhibits.
Order drinks in advance to avoid long queues during the brief intermission.
Use the binoculars available for rent if seated in the upper balcony tiers.
Do not attempt to photograph during the performance, as it is strictly prohibited; avoid expecting a short show, as grand operas often run over three hours.
The venue typically operates on a seasonal schedule, with major productions running from late summer through early winter, followed by the ballet season.
Business casual to formal attire is expected for evening performances; silence is strictly required during the music.
