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. It is described by 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.” Whoever describes it, the Glen Park BART Station stands out as an 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 helped shape their projects and document California's modern architecture. 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's mass transit system. At Glen Park, finished in 1973, Born designed the station as a complete environment. Bold, monumental, sculptural concrete shapes are balanced by a thoughtfully designed landscape of terraced plazas, Mediterranean plants, and walkways that connect the station to the neighborhood.
One tour highlight 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 explore the station’s design, how it fits into the landscape, and its role in Bay Area modernism and public transit history.
When: Saturday, December 5, 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
All tickets available now.
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.