Federal Building
Quick Facts
- Location
- USA, San Francisco
- Category
- Sightseeing
- Duration
- Recommended 0.5-1 hour
- Opening Hours
- Daily 08:30-17:00 · Offices Mon-Fri 8:30-17:00; public lobby and art viewable same hours
- Ticket Price
- Adult: Free · Free entry; valid ID required for check-in and security screening
- Address
- Western Addition-Buena Vista-Eureka Valley, San Francisco, 94102, California, United States of America
- Coordinates
- 37.7814, -122.4180
Introduction
The San Francisco Federal Building was designed by Pritzker laureate Thom Mayne and his firm Morphosis, completed in 2007, and stands as one of the most experimental U.S. federal buildings of the twenty-first century. The 71-meter, 18-story tower is famous for its double-skin facade of corrugated stainless steel panels and operable wood screens, with the west wing relying on natural ventilation and external shading as the first high-rise U.S. federal office to operate without air conditioning. The building reads like a stainless-steel sculpture cantilevered above UN Plaza, in stark contrast with the 1915 Beaux-Arts City Hall across the street. The lobby houses contemporary art commissioned by the federal art program and hosts periodic talks on architecture and sustainable design. The tower consolidates federal courts, the Social Security office, the Department of Agriculture, and Homeland Security offices, offering a unique window into contemporary public architecture and green governance.
✨ Highlights
🛈 Practical Info
Opening Hours
| Monday | 08:30-17:00 |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 08:30-17:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:30-17:00 |
| Thursday | 08:30-17:00 |
| Friday | 08:30-17:00 |
Offices Mon-Fri 8:30-17:00; public lobby and art viewable same hours
Ticket Information
| Adult | Free |
|---|
Free entry; valid ID required for check-in and security screening
💡 Tips
FAQ
What are the opening hours of Federal Building?
Monday: 08:30-17:00; Tuesday: 08:30-17:00; Wednesday: 08:30-17:00; Thursday: 08:30-17:00; Friday: 08:30-17:00; Offices Mon-Fri 8:30-17:00; public lobby and art viewable same hours
How much is the admission for Federal Building?
Adult: Free; Free entry; valid ID required for check-in and security screening
Any practical tips for visiting Federal Building?
Security lines can be long; arrive before 9 a.m. on weekdays Pair with a free City Hall tour across the street for a half-day
How long should I spend at Federal Building?
A typical visit takes Recommended 0.5-1 hour.
