Streamlines and Stories: A Historical Passage Through the Aquatic Park Bathhouse
San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park Tours
A ship-shaped building, filled with art, rises gracefully in the middle of San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. Originally known as the Aquatic Park Bathhouse, this architectural marvel was built by the Works Progress Administration (WPA). Soon after it opened in 1939, TIME Magazine declared, “If San Francisco should presently become as distinguished for its arts as for its setting, San Franciscans would owe many thanks to WPA.”
Join park rangers for an informal open house and hear the stories behind the construction and development of this building that stands apart from other WPA landmarks in San Francisco and California. See the surrealist undersea murals by Hilaire Hiler; the mosaics by famed sculptor Sargent Johnson, and the sculptures of noted local artist Beniamino Bufano. Learn of the controversy when this “Palace for the People” became a privately run casino, its subsequent closures and takeover by the U.S. Army, and its eventual development into the San Francisco Maritime Museum.
A $1 Reservation ticket is not necessary to attend the open house; however, advanced reservations do help us plan the number of staff needed for this program.
Select a date to see a list of times
Need to Know
- Meet rangers and docents at the Maritime Museum Building (Aquatic Park Bathhouse) located at 900 Beach Street, San Francisco, CA 94109
The open house runs from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM Wednesday through Sunday.
Meet rangers and docents at the Maritime Museum Building (Aquatic Park Bathhouse) located at 900 Beach Street, San Francisco, CA 94109
Please dress in layers! The northern waterfront weather can change rapidly during the day!
