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Sunday, November 14, 2021

The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, California

 San Francisco spent millions to beat competitors to host the 1915 Panama Pacific International Exposition.  Work began in earnest to host millions of expected visitors.  Construction began for the temporary buildings.  



Eric & I drove to the Marina District to visit the Palace of Fine Arts.

Architect Bernard Maybeck created Classical ruins on the edge of a lagoon.







Eric & I join other visitors 
walking between the
columns toward the Palace.















The women at the top of the pillars
face away from visitors to create
a reflective mood.










I could spend hours walking
around & taking pictures of











More than 18 million people visited the Exposition, which was considered a great success.





Visitors feel small entering
the 435 foot Palace.




Here we are beneath 
the rotunda.






San Francisco's residents loved
the Palace of Fine Arts.







Phoebe Apperson Hearst started the Palace Preservation League to ensure its continued existence. 





A collonade encircles
the Palace.





This picture includes pool

So classy!






Built of wood, burlap, and plaster, the Palace of Fine Arts fell into disrepair.  The building and its collonades deteriorated.  By 1948 there were two choices, completely rebuild it or tear it down.  In the 1960s the Palace was rebuilt with reinforced concrete at a cost of $7.6 million dollars.   

As we walk around I understand why this is a popular spot for engagement and wedding photos.






The reflecting pool is also
an urban wildlife refuge.










Fish, turtles & many birds find
everything they need here.



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