San Francisco City Hall

Overview

San Francisco City Hall is a monumental Beaux-Arts masterpiece whose dome rises 93.7 meters — taller than the United States Capitol dome in Washington, D.C. The lavish interior of marble, gold leaf, and sweeping staircases makes it one of the most beautiful civic buildings in America.

Highlights

• The Dome: The fifth-largest dome in the world, modeled on St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, decorated with elaborate gold leaf and visible from across the city.
• Grand Staircase: The sweeping marble staircase is a popular spot for wedding photos and civic ceremonies.
• Rotunda: The soaring light-filled rotunda beneath the dome creates a cathedral-like civic space.

History

Completed in 1915 by architect Arthur Brown Jr. (who also designed Coit Tower), it replaced an earlier City Hall destroyed in the 1906 earthquake. The building has been the site of pivotal historical moments: the assassination of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk in 1978, and the first same-sex marriages in California in 2004.

Visitor Tips

• Free Tours: Free docent-led tours are offered weekdays at noon, lasting about 45 minutes.
• Weddings: City Hall is one of the most popular wedding venues in San Francisco — you'll likely see at least one couple during your visit.
• Duration: 30–45 minutes.