Transamerica Pyramid

How to Get There

From San Francisco: Head northeast on Market Street, turn left onto Montgomery Street, and continue for 0.5 miles until you reach the building at 600 Montgomery Street.

Overview

The Transamerica Pyramid is a pyramid-shaped 48-story modernist skyscraper in San Francisco, California, and the second tallest building in the San Francisco skyline. Located at 600 Montgomery Street between Clay and Washington Streets in the city's Financial District, it was the tallest building in San Francisco from its completion in 1972 until 2018 when the newly-constructed Salesforce Tower surpassed its height. The building no longer houses the headquarters of the Transamerica Corporation, which moved its U.S. headquarters to Baltimore, Maryland. The building is still associated with the company by being depicted on the company's logo. Designed by architect William Pereira and built by Hathaway Dinwiddie Construction Company, the building stands at 853 feet (260 m). On completion in 1972 it was the eighth-tallest building in the world. It is also a popular tourist site. In 2020, the building was sold to NYC investor Michael Shvo, who in 2022 hired Norman Foster to redesign the interiors and renovate the building.

The building is a tall, four-sided pyramid with two "wings" to accommodate an elevator shaft on the east and a stairwell and a smoke tower on the west. The top 212 feet (65 m) of the building is the spire.

The top of the Transamerica Pyramid is covered with aluminum panels. During the Christmas holiday season, on Independence Day, and during the anniversary of 9/11, a brightly twinkling beacon called the "Crown Jewel" is lit at the top of the pyramid.

The Transamerica Pyramid is one of San Francisco's most recognizable landmarks and a defining feature of the city's skyline. Completed in 1972 and rising 853 feet above the Financial District, the distinctive pyramid-shaped skyscraper was designed by architect William Pereira and served as the tallest building in San Francisco for many years. Its unmistakable silhouette has become an enduring symbol of the city and remains one of the most photographed buildings in California.

While the building's office floors are generally not open to the public, visitors can still enjoy a rewarding experience at the Transamerica Pyramid Center, which includes the beautifully restored Transamerica Redwood Park, public art exhibitions, architectural displays, dining options, and outdoor gathering spaces. Following a major renovation, the property has evolved into a destination that combines architecture, culture, art, and nature in the heart of San Francisco.

Visitor Highlights

Attraction	Overview
Transamerica Pyramid	San Francisco's iconic pyramid-shaped skyscraper and one of the city's most recognizable architectural landmarks.
Transamerica Redwood Park	A tranquil urban oasis featuring nearly 50 mature coastal redwood trees at the base of the tower.
Pyramid Arts	Rotating exhibitions showcasing local and international artists throughout the year.
Time Capsule Exhibition	Exhibits centered around a time capsule buried beneath the complex in 1974 and rediscovered decades later.
Architectural Displays	Exhibitions highlighting the history, design, and legacy of the Transamerica Pyramid.

Transamerica Redwood Park

One of the most unique aspects of the Transamerica Pyramid Center is the Transamerica Redwood Park. Located directly at the base of the tower, the half-acre park contains nearly 50 mature Coast Redwood trees that were transplanted from the Santa Cruz Mountains in the early 1970s. The park offers a peaceful contrast to the surrounding Financial District and has become a favorite place for visitors and locals to relax, photograph the Pyramid, and enjoy public art installations.

• Redwood Grove with mature coastal redwoods.
• Reflecting Pool and Fountain surrounded by landscaped seating areas.
• Public Art Installations that rotate throughout the year.
• Excellent Photography Opportunities of the Pyramid rising above the trees.

Visitor Information

Information	Details
Address	600 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, California
Neighborhood	Financial District / Jackson Square
Redwood Park Hours	Typically open daily from sunrise to sunset
Exhibition Hours	Generally open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Public Observation Deck	Not available
Admission	Redwood Park access is generally free

Things to Do Nearby

• Chinatown – One of the oldest and largest Chinese communities outside Asia.
• North Beach – Historic Italian neighborhood known for cafés and restaurants.
• Ferry Building Marketplace – Popular food hall and waterfront destination.
• Coit Tower – Offers panoramic city views and historic murals.
• Embarcadero Waterfront – Scenic bayside promenade and piers.

Best Experience for First-Time Visitors

For most visitors, the best experience is to combine a visit to the Transamerica Pyramid Center with time spent in the Redwood Park. Walking among the towering redwoods while looking up at the Pyramid provides one of the most iconic and uniquely San Francisco photo opportunities in the city. Pairing the visit with nearby Chinatown, North Beach, or the Ferry Building makes for an excellent half-day itinerary in downtown San Francisco.

Information in this article is based on visitor resources and historical information provided by the Transamerica Pyramid Center, Transamerica Redwood Park, the Downtown San Francisco Partnership, and travel resources describing the Transamerica Pyramid, its public spaces, exhibitions, and visitor amenities.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia article "Transamerica Pyramid", which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0

The Transamerica Pyramid stands as a defining feature of San Francisco’s skyline, a late modernist architectural marvel completed in 1972. Designed by William Pereira, the 48-story structure rises to 853 feet and was once the tallest building in the city. Its unique pyramid shape, clad in crushed quartz, was initially controversial but has since become a beloved symbol of the city. The building is surrounded by Transamerica Redwood Park, a tranquil green space featuring sculptures and seasonal exhibitions, offering a serene escape in the heart of the Financial District.

Today, the Transamerica Pyramid Center is more than just an office tower—it’s a cultural hub. Visitors can explore art installations, including works by Max Ernst, and exhibitions like “Past as Prologue” by the Eames Institute. The revitalized center includes cafes, retail shops, and immersive experiences that blend architecture, nature, and history. Though the observation deck is closed, the lobby offers a live feed from the top floor and historical displays. Whether admiring its form from nearby Coit Tower or strolling through its redwood park, the Pyramid invites tourists to discover a new perspective on urban design and community space.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Transamerica Pyramid, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0