Palace of Fine Arts

The Palace of Fine Arts was built for the 1915 Panama Pacific Exhibition. It was designed by Bernard Maybeck. Sentimental San Franciscans saved it from its planned demolition after the exhibition.

Part of the 1915 World Fair

The Panama Pacific International Exposition was the 1915 worlds fair held in San Francisco, California. Taking over three years to construct, the fair had great economic implications for the city that had been almost destroyed by the great earthquake and fire of 1906. The exposition was a tremendous success, and did much to boost the morale of the entire Bay Area and to help get San Francisco back up on its feet. One of only a few surviving structures from the Exposition, it is still situated on its original site. It was rebuilt in 1965, and renovation of the lagoon, walkways, and a seismic retrofit were completed in early 2009.

Saved but crumbling into ruin

While the Palace had been saved from demolition, its original structure was not stable. Originally intended to only stand for the duration of the Exhibition, the colonnade and rotunda were not built of durable materials, and thus framed in wood and then covered with staff, a mixture of plaster and burlap-type fiber. As a result of the construction and vandalism, by the 1950s the simulated ruin was in fact a crumbling ruin.

Rebuilt in 1964

In 1964, the original Palace was completely demolished, with only the steel structure of the exhibit hall left standing. The buildings were then reconstructed in permanent, light-weight, poured-in-place concrete, and steel I-beams were hoisted into place for the dome of the rotunda. All the decorations and sculpture were constructed anew. The only changes were the absence of the murals in the dome, two end pylons of the colonnade, and the original ornamentation of the exhibit hall.

 

15 fun facts about the Panama Pacific International Exposition in 1915

 

1. The Panama-Pacific International Exposition (PPIE) was held in San Francisco, California, in 1915 to celebrate the completion of the Panama Canal and showcase San Francisco's recovery from the devastating 1906 earthquake.

2. The exposition covered over 600 acres of land in the Marina District, now known as the Palace of Fine Arts.

3. The PPIE lasted for ten months, from February 20 to December 4, 1915, and attracted over 18 million visitors.

4. The fair featured numerous exhibits and pavilions representing different countries and industries, showcasing advancements in technology, arts, agriculture, and more.

5. One of the main attractions at the PPIE was the Tower of Jewels, a 43-story tower covered in more than 100,000 pieces of cut glass and illuminated with thousands of electric lights.

6. The Palace of Fine Arts, designed by architect Bernard Maybeck, was one of the few structures from the PPIE that was preserved and still stands today.

7. The PPIE introduced several significant technological innovations, including the first public use of neon lights, a giant Ferris wheel, and a working model of the Panama Canal.

8. The exposition also featured the first transcontinental telephone call, connecting President Woodrow Wilson in Washington, D.C., with the fair's president in San Francisco.

9. The PPIE was a celebration of cultural diversity, with performances from different countries and regions, including Native American tribes, Chinese opera, and Hawaiian hula dancers.

10. The PPIE attracted notable figures such as Thomas Edison, Helen Keller, and aviator Amelia Earhart, who made her first public appearance at the fair as a young girl.

11. The fair's Fine Arts Palace showcased artworks from around the world, including famous pieces by renowned artists such as Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and John Singer Sargent.

12. The PPIE had its own transportation system, including a miniature railway called the Joy Line that transported visitors around the fairgrounds.

13. The PPIE contributed to the economic growth of San Francisco, generating millions of dollars in revenue and boosting tourism and trade in the region.

14. The fair was a major success and helped to restore San Francisco's reputation as a thriving and cosmopolitan city after the devastating earthquake and fire of 1906.

15. The legacy of the PPIE can still be seen in San Francisco today, particularly in the Palace of Fine Arts, which has become an iconic landmark and a popular venue for events and exhibitions.

 

The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco is a stunning architectural landmark that remains an important cultural destination in the city. Currently, the buildings within the Palace of Fine Arts serve different purposes:

1. Rotunda: The iconic rotunda, with its grand dome and Corinthian columns, is primarily used as an event space and venue for special occasions such as weddings, corporate events, and cultural performances.

2. Theater: The Palace of Fine Arts Theatre is a 1,000-seat venue that hosts a variety of live performances, including theater productions, music concerts, dance shows, and lectures. It offers a unique and intimate setting for artistic experiences.

3. Exploratorium: The Exploratorium is a renowned science museum that was originaly located adjacent to the Palace of Fine Arts. While not part of the original 1915 exposition, the museum occupied a significant portion of expo hall. The Exloratorium featured interactive exhibits that engage visitors of all ages in hands-on exploration of science, art, and perception. In 2013 the Exporatorium expanded and moved to Pier 15  on the Embarcadero at Green St in San Francisco.

4. Exhibitions and Galleries: The Palace of Fine Arts occasionally hosts temporary exhibitions and art installations within its gallery spaces. These exhibitions showcase a range of artistic disciplines, including painting, sculpture, photography, and multimedia installations.

5. Landscaped Grounds: The surrounding grounds of the Palace of Fine Arts offer beautifully landscaped gardens, lagoons, and pathways for visitors to enjoy leisurely walks, picnics, or simply to relax and appreciate the tranquil atmosphere.

The Palace of Fine Arts remains a beloved attraction in San Francisco, drawing locals and tourists alike with its architectural grandeur and cultural offerings. It continues to serve as a hub for artistic expression, entertainment, and scientific exploration, providing a captivating and enriching experience for visitors.

 

Infomation provided by Wikipedia