San Francisco Culture

San Francisco culture is diverse in terms of the music, arts, festivals, architecture and museums of the city. It is this diversity in the culture of San Francisco that has had a great influence in the country and the world as well. This city is just the perfect refuge for those seeking an escape, from the conservative traditions prevailing at the East Coast and Midwest. In the early days, lawlessness, excess and individuality prevailed in large numbers. At the Barbary Coast, everyday a wild pageant used to be held where everyone made their own destiny. The city was open to every sort of idea and people of all characters. For many locals, this place still reflects the same culture.

Music

In the scene of classical music, San Francisco Opera, San Francisco Symphony and San Francisco Ballet is appreciated not just within the city for all across the globe for their performances. At the Opera, the Opening Night marks the traditional beginning of the social season. The show at the War Memorial Opera House is outstanding. There are many small groups which thrive in the city, based purely on their performance. The song ‘I left my heart in San Francisco’ is a huge hit and became an icon, but a true San Franciscan the coarse ‘San Francisco’ that was sung by Jeanette McDonald is the signature song of the city. Songs of bands like Jesse Colin Young, Big Brother & the Holding Co., The Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, Jefferson Starship, Youngbloods, Quicksilver Messenger Service, Country Joe & the Fish was popular in San Francisco.

Literature

The open minded nature in San Francisco found a voice through the authors and artists, for many of whom the city was the muse. Some of the prominent names which emerged from the city included Samuel Clemens, whose pen name was Mark Twain, Jack London, Robert, Ambrose Bierce and John Steinbeck.

Architecture

There are different types of architecture in the San Francisco, which attracts tourists from far and wide. The architectural monuments and structure display the lot of variety, which is a reflection of the varied culture in the city. Some of the structures in the city are:

• Civic Center
• Ferry Building
• Painted Ladies
• Golden Gate Bridge
• Transamerica Pyramid
• Coit Tower atop Telegraph Hill
• San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

Museums

There are many museums located in the city, where one can view varied collection of contemporary, European art, Asian art and classic art. Some of the museums in the city are: International Museum of Women, Museum of the African Diaspora, Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, Tattoo Art Museum, and Antique Vibrator Museum, California Academy of Sciences California Palace of the Legion of Honor, Palace of Fine Arts Museum of Craft & Folk Art, Cartoon Art Museum, Contemporary Jewish Museum, and the Mexican Museum