SAN FRANCISCO CANNERY

The Cannery
Museum of The City of San Francisco
2801 Leavenworth Street 
(415) 928-0289
www.thecannery.com

The Cannery, located at 2801 Leavenworth Street is another fine example of urban reuse and renewal. This large brick building, constructed in 1907, after the disastrous 1906 earthquake and fire, was the main canning plant of the California Fruit Packers Association. By 1909, it had become the largest single cannery in the world, with a capacity for producing 200,000 cans per day, and employing approximately 2,500 people.

This company eventually become "Del Monte." The depression hit the canning industry hard, and the building closed to canning, in 1937. The building was used as a warehouse until the 60's, when the city, along with private investors, totally rebuilt the interior and constructed a beautiful multi-use facility. Today, The Cannery is a lovely setting for many upscale restaurants, cafes and unique shops and stores of many kinds. There is often live entertainment with performing artists strolling the grounds. One of the finest musical instrument stores anywhere, is located on the first floor. The Cannery also houses of one of the best Comedy Club’s in the are.

Its proximity to Fisherman’s Wharf, Ghirardelli Square and the Hyde Street Cable Cars make The Cannery a desirable and convenient place to visit. Street parking is available nearby.

The Museum of the City of San Francisco, located inside the Cannery, is an interesting stop for tourists and locals alike.

The Museum follows the dramatic past of San Francisco, starting with its humble beginnings as a Spanish trading post and garrison, on through the tumultuous Gold Rush Years, onward with the Barbary Coast era, which continued until the disastrous 1906 earthquake. Then came the rebuilding, and re transforming of the City, and the constantly changing complexion of San Francisco throughout the Twentieth Century. Today, "The City’s" face is still evolving.

Exhibits feature thousands of photographs, newspapers, poems, letters, paintings, dioramas and other artworks, plus old recordings and films. Many items from the 1906 earthquake are on display including the Goddess of Progress, a magnificent statute that stood above City Hall until being destroyed in the 1906 Earthquake.

This museum attempts to collect and preserve artifacts from the city and region, and to "disseminate historical information about the facts and myths of the city’s past." Many students and scholars visit the museums archives for research purposes.

The Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.. For more information call (415) 928-0289.