Located in the Civic Center on Van Ness Avenue at Grove street, the beautiful War Memorial Opera House sits like a proud lion. This building was designed by Arthur Brown Jr, the architect who also built Coit Tower as well as City Hall, which stands across the street. The War Memorial has been the home of the San Francisco Opera since October 15, 1932, when the doors opened with its first performance of Tosca.

The San Francisco Opera was founded by maestro Gaetano Merola and incorporated in 1923. The Company's first performance took place on September 26th, 1923, in the City's Civic Auditorium, and then nine years later, the Company moved into its palatial new home.

Since 1988, the San Francisco Opera has been led by renowned conductor Lotfi Mansouri, and today is the second largest opera company in North America. He has directed the Company’s expansion as well as overseeing the Western Opera Theater - the only remaining traveling opera company in the country.

Due to the damage suffered during the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, the War Memorial Opera House was closed for 18 months. A $49.5 million seismic retrofit, along with $28 million improvement in backstage additions and technical renovations has made the War Memorial one of the most innovative and comfortable theater’s in existence. The ceilings are dazzling, the huge chandelier is newly polished, and all Opera sears have been freshly re upholstered. Restroom facilities have been increased and wheelchair ramps have been installed. In addition to the extensive seismic upgrade, there are state-of-the-art audio, video, and lighting systems, plus a new computerized cooling system for audience comfort.

The enhanced seating capacity of the War Memorial Opera house is 3,176. The stage is impressive, at 134 feet wide by 84 feet deep, and the height from stage to roof is 14 stories. A large orchestra pit was built to match the exact dimensions of those in the Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall next door.

The Opera also hosts the famous "Brown Bag Opera," an annual summer series that provides free operatic entertainment in a variety of locations throughout the region. The Brown Bag Opera has performed in parks, schools, retirement homes, downtown courtyards and even at the airport. They venture to Sausalito and Palo Alto among other places. For more information on these fun, free outdoor Operas, call their hotline at: (415) 565-3245.

There are many restaurants in the Civic Center area within a short walk of the Opera House. Parking is also available on the street (free after 6:00 P.M.), and in numerous garages.

Tours of the Opera House, along with Davies Symphony Hall, and Herbst Theater that are offered Mondays between 10:00 and 2:00. It costs $5 for adults. This great little tour begins on the hour at Davies Symphony Hall. The Opera season varies, and it is best to call for performance schedules and availability. Call the box office at: (415) 864-3330.