Maritime Museum at Aquatic Park
The San Francisco Maritime Museum is housed in the Aquatic Park Bathhouse Building, a Streamline Moderne structure built in 1939 as a joint project between the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and the City of San Francisco. It is at 900 Beach St, San Francisco.
Originally constructed as a public bathhouse, the building features dazzling interior murals and tilework created by WPA artists like Hilaire Hiler, Sargent Johnson, and Richard Ayer.
After serving as a military facility during World War II, the building became home to the San Francisco Maritime Museum in 1948, showcasing the city's maritime history and connection to the sea. The museum's exhibits highlight the skills, techniques, and artifacts of the sailors' trade.
In 1978, the museum and its collections were transferred to the National Park Service, becoming part of the newly established San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. The park encompasses the museum building, a fleet of historic vessels at Hyde Street Pier, a visitor center, and a maritime research center with extensive archives and collections.
The museum building itself, now a National Historic Landmark, is a showcase for the vibrant WPA-era murals depicting underwater scenes and maritime themes. Its reopening in 2019 after restoration unveiled additional murals on the second floor, further celebrating the artistic legacy of the WPA and the region's seafaring heritage.
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