Archives Exhibitions

We are proud to exhibit great moments from our rich history in two gallery spaces within the Diane B. Wilsey Center for Opera.

Nearly 100 years of operatic moments are captured in rare, never-before-seen photographs from the Company’s archives. They honor the vocal artists, conductors, instrumentalists, members of the chorus, dancers, supernumeraries, staff, leadership and others who have labored to bring performances to life and who will share the thrill and spectacle of opera with audiences for centuries to come.

David Gockley Gallery

Illustrating the Company’s first five decades in splendid black-and-white prints, the South Gallery captures the iconic moments and larger-than-life personalities of our earliest years. Among the rarities is a never-before-seen “tutti” portrait from the inaugural season at the Civic Auditorium, showing San Francisco Opera founder and conductor Gaetano Merola with the cast of Andrea Chénier, members of the San Francisco Symphony and all other company personnel (1923). The stunning work of photographers Franklin & Rognon, Lawrence B. Morton and others capture the Company’s great productions and legendary stars, glamorously arrayed onstage and in candid moments behind the scenes.
Hume Family Gallery

The artistry and invention of our last four decades are vividly brought to life in the North Gallery. Unforgettable pairings of artist and role hang proudly beside images of historic performances such as the world premieres of John Adams’ Doctor Atomic (2005) and Stewart Wallace’s The Bonesetter’s Daughter (2008). Captured in stunning, vibrant color, the works in the Hume Family Gallery show the innovative standard achieved by San Francisco Opera and the inspiration for creations of the next century.
Both the David Gockley Gallery and the Hume Family Gallery are open daily from 9:00am–6:00pm, and are located in the Wilsey Center for Opera, Veterans Building, Fourth Floor, 301 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94102.