Palace of Fine and Decorative Arts, Treasure Island

Welcome to the Palace of Fine and Decorative Arts, also known as Building 3, located on Treasure Island in San Francisco Bay, California. This historic building was originally constructed in 1938 as an aircraft hangar for Pan American World Airways' trans-Pacific Clipper services. Later, it was modified for the 1939-40 Golden Gate International Exposition. Building 3 is one of a pair of identical hangars built to house Pan American's flying boats at the south end of the island. Building 1 was to be the airline's terminal building, while Buildings 2 and 3 would house the aircraft. For the exposition, these buildings were converted to exhibition halls, surrounded by a complex of temporary structures. At the end of the exposition, all structures except Buildings 1, 2, and 3 were torn down to make way for the development of the reclaimed land as an airport for San Francisco. Buildings 1, 2, and 3 were designed by San Francisco architects George W. Kelham and William Peyton Day. They were designed in the Art Moderne style considered appropriate for an aviation terminal. Initial construction of the buildings as airplane hangars was complete by July 1938. Building 3 is a reinforced concrete structure about 335 feet long and 225 feet wide, and 80 feet tall on a concrete pile foundation. The roof is a three-hinge riveted steel arch. A one-story section, intended to be retained for the hangar, is 40 feet wide the length of the southeast side. Today, the Palace of Fine and Decorative Arts is a popular tourist destination in San Francisco. Visitors can explore the history of aviation and the Golden Gate International Exposition through exhibits and artifacts on display inside the building. The architecture of the building itself is also a sight to behold, with its Art Moderne design and impressive steel arch roof. To get to the Palace of Fine and Decorative Arts, visitors can take a ferry from San Francisco to Treasure Island. Once on the island, the building is easily accessible by foot or car. There is ample parking available for those who choose to drive. Overall, the Palace of Fine and Decorative Arts is a must-see attraction for anyone interested in aviation history or architecture. Its unique history and stunning design make it a truly unforgettable experience.

Location: San Francisco

Source: Wikimedia