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The Transamerica Pyramid is one of San Francisco's most recognizable buildings. I saw it for the first time in 1976 when I was a teenager. I came to San Francisco with my parents as tourists. Little did I know that I would be a San Francisco resident one day. The building was designed by architect William Pereira and built between 1969 and 1972. At the time, some people thought the modern shape looked out of place, but over the years it became a well-loved part of the city's skyline. The design was inspired by California redwood trees, and the narrow top allows more sunlight to reach the streets below. The building was originally home to the Transamerica Corporation, but today it's used for offices and includes a small visitor area with information about the building. Its spire lights up during special events, and the structure was engineered to withstand earthquakes, an important feature in San Francisco, if you know what I mean! Whether you're walking by or viewing it from a distance, the Pyramid is now a familiar symbol of the city. I am lucky enough to see it every day, although not up close, but I do get to walk or drive past it nearly once or more a week.
Very nice and quiet in here , make you feel relax , you can get a lunch next block and come here en outdoors!
The nicest building in the SF skyline. There is a cool exhibit inside the 1st floor giving some history of the building. I was able to get some good pictures down one of the side alleys on broadway
I really do recommend this place. Transamerica is a really nice place to take photos. There is also an outdoor area that has been reconstructed with tall redwood trees You can also sit there and read books there is a ton of restaurants close by and it's in a very beautiful neighborhood hood in the financial district
It is a pyramid-shaped skyscraper and the second tallest building in SF. The Vertical City is currently exhibited on the ground level of Transamerica Pyramid Center, which is the new exhibition of tall buildings by Norman Foster and Foster and Partners. I think it's a good experience to explore this building and the exhibit, and would recommend if you happen to be in this area.
The Transamerica Building had stood the test of time and is one if not the most iconic buildings in San Francisco and in the world. Its unique design building shaped as a pyramid makes it unforgettable. I attended to the Transamerica Pyramid Center icon remastered night event. The inside of the Transamerica building has a museum of building structures from all around the world. So many great innovating designed building models on display. The outside of the Transamerica building was a party with music, open bar and lots of tasty foods. The atmosphere was vibrant and everyone was excited to celebrate in the FiDi in San Francisco. This is what San Francisco should be all about the fun for locals and visitors to enjoy a good time. Although this is second tallest building in San Francisco it's also the most classy, historic, and stylish building in the city. My favorite San Francisco building in person and on paper It's a transformative to the San Francisco skyline the remastered Transamerica Pyramid master skyscraper
Certainly it's the most famous building in San Francisco if not counting the Golden Gate Bridge. If looking for icons of the city you have to see it. The Transamerica Pyramid is one of the buildings that for sure is unique. Has a lot of history to it and how it came to be made. You probably can't get inside it but you can get a close up look from outside it though. Building has pretty interesting architecture. It's certainly different looking than every building around it. This was the new headquarters of the Transamerica Corporation when it opened. Has a lot of history in the local banking industry. This is located on the site of AP. Giannini's Bank Of Italy, which later became Bank Of America, another big ass banking company with lots of money. Giannini later founded Transamerica in 1928 as a holding company. This building was designed by futurist architect William Pereira. Construction began in 1969 and was completed in 1972, making it the tallest building west of Chicago. Later the Transamerica Company left but the building was still here. This now is office space for many other companies so it still has a purpose. Has a cool outside that gets lit up in several colors. It's better to look at when it's night or later. The only bad thing is it's off limits for visitors.
The Transamerica Pyramid is a 48-story pyramid-shaped skyscraper in SF's Financial District. It was the tallest building in San Francisco for 46 years, from the time it was completed in 1972 until 2018 when the Salesforce Tower became SF's tallest building. Built originally to be the Headquarters for Transamerica Corporation, TAC moved its HQ to a building across the street. The Pyramid is still associated with the company that built it by being depicted on the company's logo. A layer of crushed quartz that covers the building is the reason for its sparkling white color. The Pyramid's shape is optimal for skyscrapers because it lets more air and light through to the adjacent streets. The shape also allows the tower to be quite a lot taller than if it had a more conventional design. The top of the Pyramid is covered with aluminum panels. On certain special days (Independence Day, the anniversary of 9/11, and during the Christmas holidays), a bright beacon called the "Crown Jewel" is lit at the very top. Over the years since it was completed, this very unique skyscraper somehow slowly morphed from an object of dislike and disdain to a beloved San Francisco icon. Perhaps it's because the skyscrapers that were built afterward are so mundane and boring. Who's to say?
With new installations including art pieces and cozy furnishings, this the new spot to hang out in the City! They also have a little coffee bar inside with beverages and pastries you can purchase. The price is personally a bit steep for me but the quality and taste is there. To visit the coffee/lobby area you have to visit on weekdays during open hours, but the outside area is open to the public everyday. Park Hours: daily from sunrise to sunset Pyramid Center Hours: Wednesday to Saturday 11am - 5pm; Sunday 12pm - 6pm (these are listed on the website but I think they open earlier because I visited around 08:30am)
One of the most recognizable buildings amid the San Francisco skyline, 48 stories high with a pointy top noticeable from afar, the recently renovated Transamerica Pyramid is a pretty remarkable landmark. I've never been inside, but it's still a sight to see up close. Our recent visit this past weekend was brief as there's not much to do around here besides spending a few minutes checking out the building and the redwood park behind it, which is beautiful by the way. Barring special events like its recent reopening there's nothing flashy about this structure, but it's still an iconic and unique skyscraper.
Transamerica pyramid recently underwent a renovation and the new lobby/cafe area and patio is lovely! It's open to the public and beautifully designed. I'll definitely be back to do some work here!
I stopped in hoping to go to the top but learned that they don't offer an observatory deck. I was disappointed but the front desk staff was extremely friendly and provided a few restaurant options.
Amazing architecture! I was very thankful there was an architectural exhibit on the first floor. I like how there was so much natural light in the exhibit space. I truly appreciated seeing all the redwood trees from the interior. There are lounge areas surrounding the building, great for breaks. Worth the visit!
3 months ago
Came here for the free museum, which was really cool. Learned a lot about this building I've seen a lot but knew nothing about. There are displays, articles, etc. They also have a video playing, which was so fascinating to see San Francisco back in the day. There was also a free art exhibit in the lobby area where all of the displays were made of CDs! The outdoor space has plenty of seating (cool for lunch spots if you work here), a ping pong table, and a shuffleboard table. read more
I lived in SF a few decades ago and always wanted to go inside this building. Today I got to go inside, but not to the top because they don't allow that. The redwood garden on the side of the building is a great place to relax, listen to music, or just vibe with the environment. There is a museum in the annex with one featured artist (the restroom is there too), and a small museum on the history of the building. I thoroughly enjoyed myself in the hour I was there but I do wish I could go to the top or be given a tour. I've always wondered what the layout of the building is, but I guess I will never know. read more
The Transamerica Pyramid is one of San Francisco's most recognizable buildings. I saw it for the first time in 1976 when I was a teenager. I came to San Francisco with my parents as tourists. Little did I know that I would be a San Francisco resident one day. The building was designed by architect William Pereira and built between 1969 and 1972. At the time, some people thought the modern shape looked out of place, but over the years it became a well-loved part of the city's skyline. The design was inspired by California redwood trees, and the narrow top allows more sunlight to reach the streets below. The building was originally home to the Transamerica Corporation, but today it's used for offices and includes a small visitor area with information about the building. Its spire lights up during special events, and the structure was engineered to withstand earthquakes, an important feature in San Francisco, if you know what I mean! Whether you're walking by or viewing it from a distance, the Pyramid is now a familiar symbol of the city. I am lucky enough to see it every day, although not up close, but I do get to walk or drive past it nearly once or more a week. read more
5 months ago
Very nice and quiet in here , make you feel relax , you can get a lunch next block and come here en outdoors! read more
I really do recommend this place. Transamerica is a really nice place to take photos. There is also an outdoor area that has been reconstructed with tall redwood trees You can also sit there and read books there is a ton of restaurants close by and it's in a very beautiful neighborhood hood in the financial district read more
It is a pyramid-shaped skyscraper and the second tallest building in SF. The Vertical City is currently exhibited on the ground level of Transamerica Pyramid Center, which is the new exhibition of tall buildings by Norman Foster and Foster and Partners. I think it's a good experience to explore this building and the exhibit, and would recommend if you happen to be in this area. read more
The Transamerica Building had stood the test of time and is one if not the most iconic buildings in San Francisco and in the world. Its unique design building shaped as a pyramid makes it unforgettable. I attended to the Transamerica Pyramid Center icon remastered night event. The inside of the Transamerica building has a museum of building structures from all around the world. So many great innovating designed building models on display. The outside of the Transamerica building was a party with music, open bar and lots of tasty foods. The atmosphere was vibrant and everyone was excited to celebrate in the FiDi in San Francisco. This is what San Francisco should be all about the fun for locals and visitors to enjoy a good time. Although this is second tallest building in San Francisco it's also the most classy, historic, and stylish building in the city. My favorite San Francisco building in person and on paper It's a transformative to the San Francisco skyline the remastered Transamerica Pyramid master skyscraper read more
Certainly it's the most famous building in San Francisco if not counting the Golden Gate Bridge. If looking for icons of the city you have to see it. The Transamerica Pyramid is one of the buildings that for sure is unique. Has a lot of history to it and how it came to be made. You probably can't get inside it but you can get a close up look from outside it though. Building has pretty interesting architecture. It's certainly different looking than every building around it. This was the new headquarters of the Transamerica Corporation when it opened. Has a lot of history in the local banking industry. This is located on the site of AP. Giannini's Bank Of Italy, which later became Bank Of America, another big ass banking company with lots of money. Giannini later founded Transamerica in 1928 as a holding company. This building was designed by futurist architect William Pereira. Construction began in 1969 and was completed in 1972, making it the tallest building west of Chicago. Later the Transamerica Company left but the building was still here. This now is office space for many other companies so it still has a purpose. Has a cool outside that gets lit up in several colors. It's better to look at when it's night or later. The only bad thing is it's off limits for visitors. read more
The Transamerica Pyramid is a 48-story pyramid-shaped skyscraper in SF's Financial District. It was the tallest building in San Francisco for 46 years, from the time it was completed in 1972 until 2018 when the Salesforce Tower became SF's tallest building. Built originally to be the Headquarters for Transamerica Corporation, TAC moved its HQ to a building across the street. The Pyramid is still associated with the company that built it by being depicted on the company's logo. A layer of crushed quartz that covers the building is the reason for its sparkling white color. The Pyramid's shape is optimal for skyscrapers because it lets more air and light through to the adjacent streets. The shape also allows the tower to be quite a lot taller than if it had a more conventional design. The top of the Pyramid is covered with aluminum panels. On certain special days (Independence Day, the anniversary of 9/11, and during the Christmas holidays), a bright beacon called the "Crown Jewel" is lit at the very top. Over the years since it was completed, this very unique skyscraper somehow slowly morphed from an object of dislike and disdain to a beloved San Francisco icon. Perhaps it's because the skyscrapers that were built afterward are so mundane and boring. Who's to say? read more
With new installations including art pieces and cozy furnishings, this the new spot to hang out in the City! They also have a little coffee bar inside with beverages and pastries you can purchase. The price is personally a bit steep for me but the quality and taste is there. To visit the coffee/lobby area you have to visit on weekdays during open hours, but the outside area is open to the public everyday. Park Hours: daily from sunrise to sunset Pyramid Center Hours: Wednesday to Saturday 11am - 5pm; Sunday 12pm - 6pm (these are listed on the website but I think they open earlier because I visited around 08:30am) read more
2 years ago
One of the most recognizable buildings amid the San Francisco skyline, 48 stories high with a pointy top noticeable from afar, the recently renovated Transamerica Pyramid is a pretty remarkable landmark. I've never been inside, but it's still a sight to see up close. Our recent visit this past weekend was brief as there's not much to do around here besides spending a few minutes checking out the building and the redwood park behind it, which is beautiful by the way. Barring special events like its recent reopening there's nothing flashy about this structure, but it's still an iconic and unique skyscraper. read more
9 months ago
1 year ago
Amazing architecture! I was very thankful there was an architectural exhibit on the first floor. I like how there was so much natural light in the exhibit space. I truly appreciated seeing all the redwood trees from the interior. There are lounge areas surrounding the building, great for breaks. Worth the visit! read more
They filmed some scenes for zodiac and invasion of the body snatchers here. I love driving toward it and watching it grow larger and larger as I get closer. Though not as popular as Golden Gate Bridge or Alcatraz I used to love this building when I lived in SF. It used to be the tallest building before the sales force tower but is better IMO because of the cool shape. It's a tall stretched pyramid and stands out a lot from all the boxy buildings nearby l. read more
You can't look at a photo of the San Francisco skyline and not see this building. Before the Salesforce Tower opened up, the Transamerica Pyramid was the tallest building in SF when it was completed in 1972 (it has 48 floors). I'm such an architecture geek and love the design of this building. It is a four-sided pyramid with a 200 ft tall spire on top. The two wings on each side of the building house elevator shafts. There is a small park at the bottom that is shaded with redwood trees. I recently stood underneath it for the first time and enjoyed staring up at all the crisscross columns and beams that make up the base of the building. The Transamerica Pyramid can be seen from all over SF. Some of the best photos I've taken of it are from Coit Tower at night. read more
The Transamerica Pyramid has been an iconic San Francisco skyscraper due to its futurist design since its completion in 1972. In fact, it was the tallest building in San Francisco for 46 years until the Salesforce Tower opened in 2018. I liked how you can look down from one end of Columbus Ave and see the Pyramid at the end of the street. I was fortunate after all these years to finally go up the Pyramid to visit a friend at his office. Though I wasn't at the top floor, the views from the 27th floor were amazing. If you have the chance to visit, I would highly recommend. read more
10 years ago
This is another landmark in the beautiful city of San Francisco. It sits in the downtown area, and easily spotted due to its pyramidal shape. I've driven by it almost every time I've visited San Francisco. The area around this building has the same feel as a typical office building in any city. The lobby is decorated with a holiday feel towards the end of the year. I've never accessed the upper floors, but I'm assuming they're mostly businesses. Although I didn't find anything over-the-top about visiting here, it is worth a visit when checking out the landmarks in SF. read more
This building is the staple of SF. It's seen throughout the world...throughout movies, postcards, magazines, and every social media platform imaginable. It's located in the FiDi. it's an amazing building to take a few interesting/creative photo shots. read more
13 years ago
The tallest and most iconic skyscraper in San Francisco is the Transamerica Pyramid. Upon completion in 1972 this building was the 5th tallest building in the world at 853 feet tall. Today the building has dropped to #188. The architect, William Pereira, designed the four-sided pyramid with two "wings" on either side to accommodate an elevator shaft on the east and a stairwell and a smoke tower on the west. The building facade is covered in crushed quartz, giving the building its pure white color. Unfortunately, the observation deck on the 27th floor was closed after September 11th and replaced with a virtual observation deck. Only the first floor of the building is open to the public. read more
I love unique buildings and the Pyramid with its pointed top is that. You can see it from pretty much all over town. It is a major San Francisco landmark for a reason. Inside is just office space. So for most people it is all about the view, because there is not much opportunity to go up. I would love a tour. It has got to have great views. I heard though from a woman who's dad had worked there that the inside it feels like a normal building. The slanted sides are so slight she didn't even notice them inside. Until I get that tour I will enjoy the views of it from a distant. read more
Rather overcast for much of the day, but this iconic structure is visible from all around San Francisco. Other than the GGB, it is the symbol of the city. For the moment, it remains the tallest building in the city. Sadly, the observation deck was closed after 9/11. Which is very unfortunate because the views from up there (on a clear day) must be spectacular. read more
Every city has its 'architectural gem' right? San Fran's is pretty obvious, but one should not ignore the Transamerica Pyramid in the financial district. It's truly a beautiful building with its swooping sides and window details. We wandered right up to it on our way towards the Ferry Building but I love that you can see the pyramid from so many hilltops around the city too. The best view of the entire building is probably the one you see walking down Columbus Ave. so be sure to check it out on your next walk through the area. read more
7 years ago
Another iconic landmark that symbolizes San Francisco and was it's tallest building until 2017 when the Salesforce Tower was built. read more
13 years ago
Cute little gift shop with the history of the building. I wouldn't travel out of the way for it, but perfectly fine stop on your walking tour through SF. I'm grateful for the effort, but it would be so lovely if the public can access the view deck at the top. read more
Such a beautiful view of San Francisco. I've always wanted to visit the Transamerica, and finally the opportunity presented itself when my boyfriend had a cocktail reception for his work here! It was a breathtaking view on the 48th floor of the remarkable and alluring San Francisco, I never wanted to leave! Let me just add that the service was excellent and the hors d'oeuvre they served were extremely delicious. Highly recommend if you have the opportunity to visit! read more
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