The SFJAZZ Center - Built for Jazz

The SFJAZZ Center

Built for Jazz
Built for Jazz

The SFJAZZ Center

Built for Jazz
Built for Jazz

The SFJAZZ Center

Built for Jazz
Built for Jazz

The SFJAZZ Center

Built for Jazz

Built for Jazz

Built for Jazz

The SFJAZZ Center is being built specifically for jazz music and audiences alike. It will be the first concert hall of its type in the western United States: a freestanding performance venue with flexible seating and staging for artists of every stature.

Designed by award-winning architect Mark Cavagnero and located in San Francisco’s vibrant cultural corridor, the SFJAZZ Center will comprise 35,000 square feet in a transparent, LEED Certified structure. Key features include:

  • State-of-the-art auditorium, adjustable from 350 to 700 seats
  • 80-seat multi-purpose ensemble room
  • Rehearsal spaces & digital learning lab
  • Café at sidewalk level
  • Ground floor lobby, retail shop and box office
  • SFJAZZ administrative offices

Built For Education, Culture, and Community

The SFJAZZ Center will be more than a superb concert hall. Located at 205 Franklin Street in San Francisco’s vibrant Hayes Valley, the SFJAZZ Center will be a hub of culture, community and commerce for locals and tourists alike. Moreover, it'll be within easy walking distance of Civic Center Station (home to MUNI and BART trains) and served by local bus routes for low-impact transit.

Why Jazz is Important

Jazz is America's great contribution to the arts. It is thrilling, exhilarating and thought-provoking music that stirs emotions of all kinds, in the mind and in the heart and in the soul. Its influence extends worldwide, touching and enriching all related forms of music. It is a vibrant art form that deserves a special place in our culture.

SFJAZZ has been presenting the finest jazz musicians in the world for nearly 30 years. It has also presented the finest musicians from around the world who have been influenced by jazz. San Francisco has been a great city for these kinds of music always. It seems fitting that this organization should build this special place in this city.

We've launched the World is Listening campaign to make the SFJAZZ Center a reality. Led by an anonymous gift of $20 million, the largest ever given to a jazz institution, the campaign will raise $53 million towards construction of this facility, plus $10 million to expand the SFJAZZ Endowment and provide a permanent source of operating income.

All together, the World is Listening campaign will enable us to grow strategically, creating new infrastructure, programming and financial viability for long-term success. All while cultivating audiences and fostering future generations of jazz musicians.