“You walk into the center of Yerba Buena gardens, there sits a place of peace, a space to make us better people.”

— Dr. Aaron Grizzell 


Executive Director of the MLK Community Foundation

— Dr. Aaron Grizzell 


Executive Director of the
MLK Community Foundation

Moscone Center

Moscone Center

Spanning over two million square feet in SoMa, the Moscone Center is San Francisco’s premier convention and exhibition complex. Opened in 1981 and named after former Mayor George Moscone, the venue was initially built underground to minimize its footprint on the neighborhood before expanding into a world-class, eco-friendly facility.

As a central driver of the city's tourism and hospitality sectors, the center attracts hundreds of thousands of global visitors for major technology summits and conventions. Equipped with massive rooftop solar arrays and zero-emissions infrastructure, it continues to anchor San Francisco's commercial economy and set global standards for sustainable event space.

Spanning over two million square feet in SoMa, the Moscone Center is San Francisco’s premier convention and exhibition complex. Opened in 1981 and named after former Mayor George Moscone, the venue was initially built underground to minimize its footprint on the neighborhood before expanding into a world-class, eco-friendly facility.

As a central driver of the city's tourism and hospitality sectors, the center attracts hundreds of thousands of global visitors for major technology summits and conventions. Equipped with massive rooftop solar arrays and zero-emissions infrastructure, it continues to anchor San Francisco's commercial economy and set global standards for sustainable event space.

Moscone Events Calendar

Origins of the Neighborhood

Before becoming part of modern San Francisco, the surrounding area was originally established in 1835 as the settlement of Yerba Buena—named after the fragrant aromatic herb native to its sand dunes. As the 1848 California Gold Rush transformed the quiet outpost into a booming metropolis, the district evolved into a dense industrial hub of iron works, print shops, and warehouses. By the late 20th century, a major civic urban renewal initiative re-envisioned the neighborhood, turning former industrial blocks into the cultural heart of the city anchored by public parks, museums, and community centers.

The Metreon

The Metreon

Opened in 1999 as a flagship interactive entertainment complex by Sony, The Metreon was designed as a futuristic multi-level destination combining technology, cinema, and retail in the center of SoMa. Situated directly adjacent to Yerba Buena Gardens and the Moscone Center, the venue originally featured immersive themed attractions, cutting-edge gaming centers, and one of Northern California's largest IMAX theaters. Today, while it has adapted into a vibrant neighborhood dining and entertainment hub, it remains an integral gathering place connecting event attendees, locals, and visitors.

Opened in 1999 as a flagship interactive entertainment complex by Sony, The Metreon was designed as a futuristic multi-level destination combining technology, cinema, and retail in the center of SoMa. Situated directly adjacent to Yerba Buena Gardens and the Moscone Center, the venue originally featured immersive themed attractions, cutting-edge gaming centers, and one of Northern California's largest IMAX theaters. Today, while it has adapted into a vibrant neighborhood dining and entertainment hub, it remains an integral gathering place connecting event attendees, locals, and visitors.

Discover Yerba Buena

Our Address

135 Fourth Street
San Francisco, CA 94103