Pyramid Transamerica 

Pyramid Transamerica (USA) – description, history, location. Exact address, phone number, website. Reviews of tourists, photos and videos.

The architectural dominant of the San Francisco business center is the Transamerica pyramid, popularly nicknamed the spire. The graceful 48-story skyscraper, which stands out sharply against the background of the traditional “box” architecture, was built in 1972 by order of the insurance corporation Transamerica Corp. The author of the project is the architect William Pereira, whose opponents argued that the shocking creation would never fit into the usual urban silhouette. However, over time, the building acquired the status of the most notable landmark of San Francisco.

What to watch

The pyramidal silhouette of the skyscraper is broken only by two wings that rise to the 29th floor. Above the roof there is a 64 m high aluminum spire with a “pearl crown” illuminating it with a powerful lamp. Above, there is a red beacon for aircraft. The walls are lined with artificial quartz slabs, glittering in the rays of the sun and night illumination. There is no observation deck; you can view the circular panorama only from the windows of the conference hall on the 48th floor.

Tourists are not allowed to enter the building. But at the entrance from the Clay Street side, there is a Visitor Center, where a picture from television cameras installed on the spire is broadcast on large screens. It also shows videos about the history of the building and sells souvenirs.

Practical information

Address: San Francisco, Montgomery St, 600. Website (in English).

How to get there: by bus number 41 to the stop. Columbus Ave & Washington St.

Opening hours of the Visitor Center: Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 15:00.