In-Person Tour of the Mechanics' Institute

The Mechanics' Institute of San Francisco was founded in 1854 with four books and a mission to start an organization to serve the vocational and social needs of the city’s mechanics, artisans, and industrialists. Within a few years, the Institute was offering classes in mechanical drawing, industrial design, electrical science, and applied mathematics, had started a chess club, and had acquired a magnificent library that slaked San Francisco’s voracious appetite for technical and pleasurable reading material.

Today Mechanics’ Institute continues as a membership organization boasting a fantastic general interest library, an active calendar of cultural events, and a world renowned chess club. It is a favorite of avid readers, writers, downtown employees, students, film lovers, chess players, and the 21st century nomadic worker in search of a place for literary pursuits, thinking, research, and study.

If you are a new, long-time, or prospective member, the tour of the Institute will orient you to our building, include an overview of our history and mission, and outline our current services and the benefits of membership. Tours typically take 45 to 60 minutes.

Tours meet in the Lobby of Mechanics' Institute, 57 Post Street, San Francisco, CA. We encourage public transportation for travel to our building.

Please email [email protected] or call 415-393-0116 if you have any questions.