In 1873 Andrew Smith Hallidie successfully tested the world's
first cable car. You can learn about Hallidie and his valuable contribution
to San Francisco history by visiting the Cable Car Museum, located
in the Washington and Mason cable car barn and powerhouse. The museum's
displays include historical photographs, model collections, original
cable cars, and an informational video of the San Francisco cable car
system.
You also can get a look at the daily operations of the present
cable car system. View the labyrinth of tunnels, cables, and pulleys
(called "sheaves"),
and watch the operations of the powerhouse from the observation gallery.
The museum's store features a wide variety of gifts, postcards, and
books relating to the cable car system. And you won't want to leave
the museum until
you've had a chance to ring one of the cable car bells, a familiar
sound to anyone in San Francisco.
Location
The Cable Car Museum in the cable car barn and powerhouse is located at 1201 Mason Street at Washington. Public transportation (bus or cable car) is recommended, as street parking is very limited.
Hours of operation
The Cable Car Museum is open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas,
and New Year's Day. Hours are from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. or 6 p.m.,
depending on the season. Schedules are posted on the museum's Web
site.
Cost
Admission is free.
Disabled access
The Cable Car Museum is wheelchair accessible. A ramp leads from the
outside of the building to the rear entrance of the museum.
Please note
Cost, hours of operation, or other information about this attraction is subject to change without notice. We suggest you confirm with the attraction prior to your visit.
