July 22, 2001
The rotunda is repaired and open!

On Tuesday, August 18, 1999, a moderate earthquake centered in Bolinas, California damaged the inner facade of the rotunda. Fortunately, no one was injured when a chunk of concrete crashed to the floor. The repairs are now complete. A black netting is suspended under the ceiling to protect visitors from any possible harm, should more debris ever fall. The Tunnel Singer occasionally performs inside the rotunda.

Inner Runes, the debut album is recorded inside the Sound Column, a wedge-shaped 64-feet tall room. Located inside a Palace of Fine Arts rotunda support column, this unique space is used by the Exploratorium to demonstrate sound wave interference patterns.

If you would like to know more about the Palace of Fine Arts, follow the link below to a history with photos of the 1915 Panama Pacific Exposition and its 1960s restoration.

GO TO THE PALACE OF FINE ARTS HISTORY SITE