Davies Symphony Hall

201 Van Ness Ave. | map |

Opened: 1980. The hall, named for Louise M. Davies, is the home of the San Francisco Symphony. It's at the northwest corner of Van Ness Ave. and Hayes St. The photo by J. Ash Bowie appears with the Wikipedia article about the hall. 

Art Siegel notes that it was built on the site the former Commerce High School athletic field. See a  c.1928 Open SF History Project photo. Before that it was the site of St. Ignatius Church and College. See a 1906 Open SF History Project photo showing earthquake damage and also a c.1900 Open SF History Project photo of the building.

Architects: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and Pietro Belluschi

Seating: 2,743

Websites: daviessymphonyhall.org | sfwarmemorial.org/davies-symphony-hall

The Davies is part of the San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Center. Before the hall was built, the symphony played in the Opera House.


 A 2013 lobby view on Wikimedia by an individual calling himself Another Believer.



A view out toward City Hall. It's a photo appearing on Davies Hall page of the website for the San Francisco war Memorial and Opera House. 



A 2007 view to the stage by E.T. on Flickr.



A wider view from Melinda Stuart. It's a 2019 photo on Wikimedia.



A panoramic look across by Leonard G. on Wikipedia.



A performer's view to the back of the house. It's a photo appearing on Davies Hall page of the website for the San Francisco war Memorial and Opera House.
 
 
Backstage:
 

Thanks to Jim Baldocchi for sharing this 2009 photo as a post on the BAHT Facebook page. He notess: "Stage right, stage manager station and conductor, artists entrances."
 
 
In the booth: 
 

Al Novak, now retired, at the lighting board in 2008. Thanks again to Jim Baldocchi for sharing his photos. This was on another post on the BAHT Facebook page.  
 
 
More exterior views:
 
 
A construction shot appearing with "Davies Symphony Hall Turns 40!" an article sent out by the Symphony to celebrate the hall's birthday.



The hall at night. It's an uncredited photo on Wikimedia. 



The back side of the hall. It's a 2012 photo by Yair Haklai appearing on Wikimedia.

More information: See the Wikipedia page on Davies Symphony Hall.

Another theatre once on the same block was the Van Ness, a house that opened in 1907 on the southwest corner of Van Ness and Grove. 

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2 comments:

  1. AnonymousOctober 23, 2022 at 7:52 AM

    Thanks for using my photo, above, from Flickr--however you mis-spelled my name. It's "Melinda STUART". Thanks for a correction. It's such a beautiful building!!

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    Replies
    1. B CounterOctober 23, 2022 at 8:32 AM

      My apologies, Melinda. Thanks for calling my attention to the need for a correction. All fixed. Yes, it's a beautiful building -- and thanks for your beautiful photo.

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