Interior of Glen Park BART Station designed by Ernest Born. Photo by Kevin H. Souza
Join us for an in-depth tour of San Francisco’s Glen Park BART Station in partnership with the UC Berkeley Environmental Design Archive and their current exhibition Modernism: Born in California. Described by one former SF Heritage President, Michael Buhler, as “the best example of Brutalism in San Francisco, if not the entire Bay Area,” and Born’s self-declared “masterpiece.” No matter who describes it, the Glen Park BART Station is a standout example of how architecture, landscape, and infrastructure come together in the Bay Area. Ernest Born, working closely with the architectural firm Corlett & Spackman and landscape architect Douglas Baylis, designed the station, which is a strong example of mid-century modern civic design shaped by both artistic vision and the city's needs.
Ernest Born (1898–1982), a Bay Area native inspired by European modernism, was an artist, architect, and city planner. He worked closely with his professional and life partner Esther Born (1902–1987), a writer, editor, photographer, and design advocate who played a key role in shaping their projects and recording the story of modern architecture in California. Together, they created a practice that uniquely connected architecture, landscape, and visual culture.
Born began working with BART in the 1960s, when designers were asked to shape a new civic identity for the Bay Area mass transit. At Glen Park, finished in 1973, Born designed the station as a complete environment. The bold concrete shapes, both monumental and sculptural, are balanced by a thoughtfully designed landscape of terraced plazas, Mediterranean plants, and walkways that connect the station to the neighborhood.
One of the tour highlights is Born’s eye-catching marble mural, an abstract piece that energizes the station’s interior and reflects his lifelong interest in art and materials. This work reflects his belief that public spaces should improve everyday life through beauty and good design.
During the tour, we’ll look at the station’s design, how it fits into the landscape, and its role in the history of Bay Area modernism and public transit.
When: Saturday, September 12, 2026 / 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where: Glen Park BART Station Plaza, 2901 Diamond Street, San Francisco, CA 94131
Ticket Prices: $20 Docomomo-US/NOCA Members with Promo Code / $30 Non-Members
Member Tickets on Sale August 12
General Admission on Sale August 19
DOCOMOMO US/NOCA MEMBER PROMO CODE:
Docomomo-US members can unlock discounted pricing by entering our Members Promo Code at checkout. On Eventbrite, click GET TICKETS and enter the Promo Code. If you don’t remember the Promo Code, contact us at info@docomomo-noca.org.