Founded in 1996, Docomomo Northern California is a chapter of Docomomo US—a non-profit organization dedicated to documenting and conserving the Modern Movement's buildings, sites, and neighborhoods.

Embarcadero Plaza and Vaillancourt Fountain:
Place-keeping while Place-making
LATEST NEWS & ADVOCACY
Docomomo Northern California was thrilled to join the conversation about some of the best of Downtown San Francisco’s Modernist skyscrapers with Heritage’s Woody LaBounty and our own Board President Barrett Reiter and Board Member Ted Barrow!
Willis built her practice in San Francisco and made many notable contributions to the city., including Vine Terrace Apartments and the San Francisco Ballet Building.
Elevate your virtual meetings with stunning Zoom backgrounds featuring Bay Area’s modernist architectural gems. From Jonathan Bulkey’s San Francisco masterpiece to Beverley Thorne’s Case Study House 26 in San Rafael, these images showcase the region’s rich mid-century modern heritage. Download these free backgrounds to add a touch of architectural sophistication to your next online conference.
Featured EVENTS
The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) is set to host Ruth Asawa: Retrospective, a comprehensive exhibition honoring the groundbreaking work of artist Ruth Asawa. Opening to the general public on April 5, 2025, with member tickets already available, the exhibition promises an in-depth exploration of Asawa’s expansive artistic output, featuring over 300 artworks.
Sitting Still: The Landscape Architecture of Laurie Olin, a compelling documentary directed by Gina Angelone. This film offers a rare, thoughtful look into the philosophy, creative process, and enduring legacy of Laurie Olin, one of the most influential voices in contemporary landscape architecture.
Explore the newly launched Beverley D Thorne archive on Docomomo Northern California’s website. Discover the life and works of this pioneering ‘Man of Steel,’ including his famous Dave Brubeck House, Case Study House #26, and innovative steel-framed designs. Dive into California Modernism’s rich history through this comprehensive collection.