VETERANS BUILDING

VETERANS BUILDING
HERBST THEATER/

The stately Veterans Building, located at Van Ness and McAllister, is an exact replica of the Opera House next door, at least on the outside. This vast structure was designed by renowned architect Arthur Brown, Jr., and built in 1932. The Building was proposed by the American Legion to "Dedicate a performing arts complex to the Great War (WWI) as a living memorial." The building was dedicated on Armistice Day, Nov. 11, 1932. The Veterans Building houses a number of veterans organizations from different wars, troops, and services. Many important events, civic ceremonies, performances and gatherings have taken place at "The Veterans" including ground breaking speeches commemorating the founding of the United Nations in 1945. Quite a few city agencies have offices within the Veterans Building. The entire building is undergoing an extensive $38 million seismic upgrade that should be completed in 2001.

Herbst Theater is a lovely theater inside the Veterans Building offering an intimate performance venue, mostly for spoken word and solo artists. There are also occasional student theatrical events, magic shows and even religious services presented in the Herbst Theater. The most widely known, continuing cultural "event" inside the theater is the City Arts and Lectures series, which offers periodic "talks" with contemporary authors such as Tom Wolfe and Stephen King. This unique series provides the public with a rare opportunity to listen to authors, and question them "up close and personal." For more information about City Arts and Lectures call: (415) 392-4400.

The San Francisco Arts Commission gallery, going strong in its thirtieth year, is located on the ground floor of the Veterans Building. This small, but important gallery provides featured Bay Area artists a showcase for their talents. The SFAC also has three other exhibition spaces including a large area inside the lower level of City Hall. These art spaces present modern sculpture, painting, photography, video and other performance related pieces. The San Francisco Arts Commission Gallery at 401 Van Ness Avenue is open Wednesday through Saturday, Noon - 5:00 P.M.. Call: (415) 554-6080.

Tours of the Herbst Theater, the Opera House and Davies Symphony Hall are offered Mondays between 10:00 and 2:00. It costs $5 for adults. This tour begins ON the hour at Davies Symphony Hall. Call (415) 552-8338 for more details.