10 min
APPROX DURATION

“Veterans Building - Herbst Theatre”



In front of you lies the Veterans Building, which means you’re close to the very stage where the United Nations Charter was signed. That stage is housed in the Herbst Theatre—arguably the most important landmark on this tour. 

This is one of those places where you can really feel history in the air. Notice the 7 impressive arches on the front of the Veterans Building, then take note of its sister building to the left. The architect for both buildings is Arthur Brown Jr., the same one who designed City Hall. The name, Veterans Building, came from being a memorial to WWI veterans. Here, you’ll get acquainted with the action that took place in Herbst Theatre.

Map of San Francisco showing landmarks including the War Memorial Opera House, Veterans Building, U.N. Plaza with Library and City Hall, Asian Art Museum, and parking areas, with biking and bus routes, and a "You are here" marker.

Even though the text of the U.N. Charter was finalized in the neighboring War Memorial Opera House on June 25th, 1945, the monumental document was signed here the next day, June 26th. President Truman himself was there, as well as representatives from 49 other countries. On that day, they came together in this small theatre to sign the most impactful work of their lives.

Historical black-and-white photograph of a signing event at the United Nations, with several individuals standing around a large table, some holding hands, and a person seated signing a document. The background features flags of various nations and the United Nations emblem.

Signing of the U.N. Charter at Herbst Theatre June 26, 1945

A chef in a white uniform and toque preparing food in a busy restaurant kitchen, with trays of cooked dishes and skewers of raw meat on the stove.

Besides that historic moment, the Veterans Building played an equally important, yet less celebrated role throughout the whole 1945 United Nations Conference. The kitchen of the building served to feed the delegates daily. It was suited for every dietary or cultural preference, and staffed by diligent cooks.

Herbst Theatre made history with the U.N. Charter signing, but don’t forget its role in supporting the arts. If you ever get a chance to go inside the theatre itself, take some time to look at the murals covering the walls. Dating back to 1915, they were commissioned for the Panama-Pacific International Exposition and painted by Frank Brangwyn. He was a Welsh artist known for working in a wide range of creative fields, like ceramics, furniture, stained glass, mosaics, and more.

These days, over 200 shows are presented on the stage each year from a variety of cultural organizations. Let the arts and history of this landmark rub off on you, then keep going.

Murals commissioned for the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition painted by Frank Brangwyn, depicting various scenes in a large ornate room with gold accents and arched windows, with a chandelier hanging from the ceiling.

Murals commissioned for the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition painted by Frank Brangwyn.

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made possible with support of the following partnerships for the goals (SDG 17):

  • Fairmont San Francisco hotel logo in black and white.
  • A logo featuring a stylized white dove inside a purple circle, with the words "Grace Cathedral" beneath it.
  • Graphic featuring the number 17 and the text 'Partnerships for the Goals' with a circular interconnected rings icon, representing SDG 17.
  • Logo of the San Francisco Public Library featuring a spiral staircase silhouette and text.
  • Logo for the San Francisco Historical Society featuring an illustration of the Golden Gate Bridge and stylized text.
  • Logo for San Francisco City Guides featuring a skateboarding figure above the text, with a cityscape background, and the words 'Since 1978' in red.