San Francisco’s Civic Center comprises thirteen governmental and cultural buildings in the city’s core, including City Hall and municipal agencies, the main branch of the public library, the Supreme Court of California, numerous performing arts venues and more. Classified as a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places, the area has served as the heart of San Francisco governance for more than a century, and became a key gathering place for the city’s residents long before that. A fascinating new book, The San Francisco Civic Center: A History of the Design, Controversies, and Realization of a City Beautiful Masterpiece, catalogues the rich and complex history of the neighborhood. Come learn more about the past, present and future of this civic treasure.

• Jim Haas / author
• Patrick Race / San Francisco Planning Department