Transamerica Pyramid
The Transamerica Pyramid is, together with the Golden Gate, an icon of San Francisco.
The William Pereira-designed Transamerica Pyramid, completed in 1972 at 48 stories and 260 meters in the Financial District, rises above Pier 7 on the Embarcadero. The moderate climate allows year-round shooting from the waterfront, including the 32-pane glass crown captured from a helicopter by Ryan Fitzsimons.
Transamerica Pyramid: Design and Revitalization
The Transamerica Pyramid is an 852-foot concrete structure with a pointed peak, completed in 1972 to a design by William Pereira. It carries a higher international profile than any other structure in San Francisco except the Golden Gate Bridge, making it a primary subject for skyline photography. The building is currently undergoing a $250 million revitalization led by SHVO and architect Norman Foster, so construction activity should be expected during visits.
Best Photo Spots
Here are 6 photo spots around the Transamerica Pyramid, ranging from street-level views to a rooftop bar and an aerial vantage point.
Montgomery Street
Photographs of This Location
Transamerica Pyramid's Design and Beacon
The Transamerica Pyramid, a 48-story futurist skyscraper completed in 1972 and designed by William Pereira, remains the second-tallest building in the San Francisco skyline. Its pale exterior is sheathed in crushed quartz, with aluminum panels covering the upper spire. A 6,000-watt beacon at the crown is lit on special occasions and visible across the Bay Area, though reaching it requires an elevator to the 48th-floor boardroom followed by a 212-foot ascent up the spire via steep stairs and two steel ladders.
Common Questions
San Francisco's weather is variable within a single day, with cool mornings and evenings even in summer due to fog and ocean breezes; rain is more common from November to April.
The Transamerica Pyramid is reachable via Muni buses, streetcars, or BART, with stations within a short walking distance in the Financial District.
The best viewpoints for the Transamerica Pyramid are Coit Tower, Lombard Street, and various spots along the Embarcadero, plus views between buildings in North Beach or Chinatown.
Transamerica Pyramid Major Renovation Underway
Built between 1969 and 1972 on the site of the historic Montgomery Block, the Transamerica Pyramid now houses the Church of Scientology rather than serving as the Transamerica Corporation's original headquarters. John Krizek has noted that the building had to work to win over San Francisco, and Foster + Partners has been appointed to oversee the largest renovation in the structure's 50-year history. Given the scale of this work, photographers planning to visit the area should expect construction activity and changing conditions around the tower.
Practical Information
Montgomery Street 600, 94111 San Francisco, US; Muni, BART; 23.0 km / 14.3 miles
Nearby parking garages in the Financial District are expensive and limited, especially during peak hours.
Mon–Sat 11:00 AM–5:00 PM; Sun 12:00 PM–6:00 PM; All day, 7 days a week (24 hours)
Visiting the Transamerica Pyramid costs money.
The 48th floor and crown jewel of the Transamerica Pyramid have never been open to the public.; Film and photo shoots are an explicitly permitted use of the Sky Bar event space.
Photowalk
Walk the Transamerica Pyramid Photo Trail
2 routes through the same vantage points, from a quick loop to a full afternoon.
From Columbus Avenue, the colourful facades on both sides of the road act as leading lines pointing toward the Transamerica Pyramid.
Session Tips
- The Transamerica Pyramid was on full display a block earlier along Montgomery Street, so walk back that way for an unobstructed shot.
- Photographers should be careful of traffic and cable cars when shooting the Transamerica Pyramid from Columbus Avenue.
- San Francisco's weather is variable with cool mornings and evenings year-round due to fog and ocean breezes, so layers and a light jacket are recommended.
- To capture the crown jewel's glass top, the best vantage is from a helicopter above downtown San Francisco, as photographer Ryan Fitzsimons demonstrated.
- An umbrella may be useful during San Francisco's rainy season, which runs roughly from November to April.
What to Wear
- Comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing with a light jacket are advisable when walking the San Francisco Financial District.
What to Expect During Your Session
The Transamerica Pyramid is most clearly framed from a block away along Montgomery Street, while closer angles from Columbus Avenue require watching for traffic and cable cars. The top of the building, called the Crown Jewel, lights up at night on Christmas, Independence Day, and the anniversary of 9/11. Plan for cool mornings and evenings year-round and pack an umbrella for the November-to-April rainy season.
To reach the crown jewel, visitors take an elevator to the 48th-floor boardroom, then climb a tall staircase with steep steps inside the hollow metal spire, followed by two steel ladders to the crown jewel room.
Getting There
Access & Transit
- Wheelchair access
- The Sky Bar at the Transamerica Pyramid is wheelchair accessible.
- Parking
- There are nearby parking garages in the Financial District, but parking can be expensive and challenging to find during peak hours.
- Public transit
- Muni buses, streetcars, BART; Sansome Street
- Walking distance
- The Transamerica Pyramid is located at 600 Montgomery Street between Clay and Washington Streets in the Financial District of San Francisco.