NPS

A section of the murals inside the Aquatic Park Bathhouse Building.

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Date: June 23, 2009
Contact: John Cunnane, 415-561-7170

Visitors Can View “Hidden” WPA Murals for the First Time in 50 Years
Park Rangers Will Be On-Hand to Tell the Building’s Story from 11am-4pm

On Sunday June 21, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park will open the doors of the Aquatic Park Bathhouse building from 11am to 4pm, seven days a week, so that visitors can experience the lobby’s spectacular Works Progress Administration (WPA) murals. A National Park Service ranger will be on hand to answer questions about the murals, the building’s fascinating history, and the rehabilitation work currently taking place throughout the Aquatic Park Historic District.

Since the Bathhouse Building opened as a maritime museum in 1951, the structure’s spectacular WPA murals, by internationally-renowned artist Hilare Hiler, have been partially “hidden” behind exhibit cases, figureheads and panels. With the museum objects in storage to facilitate the building’s restoration, now is the first time in 50 years to fully experience the artist’s fantastic underwater visions.

There is no admission fee, and reservations are not required.

San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park includes a magnificent fleet of historic ships, Visitor Center, historic Bathhouse building, and a maritime library. The park offers both regular programs and special events this summer, including ranger-led sailing tours aboard the Park’s 1891 scow schooner Alma. For more information call 415-447-5000 or visit the park’s website at http://www.nps.gov/safr.