Walking Tour | Downtown Deco
Dates and Times
- Wednesday, Jan 21, 2026 2pm - 4pm
- Wednesday, Jan 28, 2026 2pm - 4pm
- Wednesday, Feb 18, 2026 2pm - 4pm
Location
140 New Montgomery
140 New Montgomery St
Details
Presented by SF City Guides
While the Art Deco movement was a French creation, it found a dedicated American evangelist in San Francisco architect Timothy Pflueger. As one of the most prominent architects in the city during the 1920s, Pflueger had a profound impact on the shape and aesthetic of San Francisco’s early soaring skyline.
This comprehensive tour explores the "jazzy buoyancy" of the Roaring Twenties, showcasing how the city’s thriving economy was captured through elegant, timeless architecture. Participants will spend the tour soaking up the atmosphere of 1920s San Francisco, learning about the architects who defined the era and the specific design movements—from Neo-Mayan to Egyptian Revival—that make these buildings masterpieces.
Tour Highlights
Attendees will explore several of the city's most significant Art Deco landmarks, including:
- The Pacific Telephone Building: A look inside the stunning, restored lobby featuring intricate Chinese motifs.
- The Former Stock Exchange and Tower: A monumental, art-infused masterpiece of the financial district.
- The Shell Building: Known for its unique and detailed Egyptian-inspired aesthetics.
- 450 Sutter Street: A world-renowned neo-Mayan medical building that remains a staple of the city's architectural identity.