Each year, the European Heritage Days invite the public to discover sites and buildings that are usually closed or little-known, through unique tours and special openings. Inspired by this initiative, L’Esprit San Francisco is organizing the fourth edition of the Heritage Festival on Saturday, September 20, 2025 in Berkeley, inviting attendees to explore two emblematic sites that are rarely accessible.
This edition shines a light on architectural heritage with guided discovery of two landmark buildings designed by major figures of West Coast architecture:
- Berkeley City Club, by Julia Morgan, the first woman to graduate from the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris and a pioneer of California architecture. Nicknamed the “Little Castle,” the building showcases the elegance of her neo-Mediterranean style and is a designated California Historical Landmark.
- The First Church of Christ Scientist, designed by Bernard Maybeck, a monument listed on the National Register of Historic Places and considered one of the architect’s masterpieces.
A special focus will highlight women’s roles at every stage—from commissioning to architectural design, use, and preservation of these sites.
The tours, guided in French, are entirely free and offered at two start times: 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM.
Saturday, September 20, 2025
Location: Berkeley City Club & First Church of Christ Scientist
Tickets: Reserve for the 11:00 AM group | Reserve for the 1:00 PM group
