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Man working to make a book at Arion Press. Photo courtesy of Arion Press.

Arion Press

Visit this one-of-a kind publisher, gallery, and living museum to see that print is alive and well.

Region

Southern Wilds Region

Type

Retail & Services

Top Amenities

Accessible Restrooms, Accessible Parking, Paid Parking, Muni Bus-accessible, Shuttle-accessible

Step inside Arion Press and you’ll be transported back to a time when books were created with painstaking human touch.

Arion Press is one of the nation’s last printers of museum-quality, handmade books created with traditional letterpress equipment. 

Within a former U.S. Army laundry facility, you’ll find the largest collection of typefaces in the United States, machinery dating back to some of the earliest printing processes in America. Here, a small but dedicated team of artisan creators is committed to the historic preservation of book publishing. 

Public tours here are one of the coolest things to do in San Francisco, and they also host events.

Google Map of the Presidio

By Public Transit

Muni Route: 1, 1X 

Stop: California Street & Park Presidio Boulevard 

Muni Route: 28 

Stop: Park Presidio Boulevard & California Street 

By Presidio GO Shuttle

Route: South Hills Route 

Stop: 13

Parking

Paid parking is available on either side of the building, with a small lot on Hays Street and larger lot off Wedemeyer Street.

Why We Love Arion Press

Arion Press is one of the last fine bookmakers of its kind. With a type foundry that’s been in continuous operation for more than 100 years, the limited edition books they produce are a testament to the rich history of fine bookmaking.

Accessibility at Arion Press

There is a parking space for those with mobility limitations near the entrance of the building, and two more in the lot behind.

Insider Tip

Arion Press is a short walk from the Lobos Valley Overlook, where on a clear day you can see all the way to the Pacific Ocean. For those wanting to continue their historical tour of the Presidio, check out the nearby Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail, a 2.7mile trail commemorating the 1776 journey Spanish military commander de Anza led from Sonora, Mexico to the Golden Gate.

A man working with type at Arion Press. Photo courtesy of Arion Press.Photo courtesy of Arion Press.

ONE OF THE MUST-SEE PLACES IN SAN FRANCISCO

This is a unique and authentic Presidio experience. Come for a tour or purchase one of their beautiful books online.

Tour Arion Press 

Arion Press hosts 90-minute guided tours, typically on Thursday afternoons, for $10. A book maker takes you through the hot metal type foundry, letterpress room, and bookbindery – one of the last facilities of its kind. Group tours are also available. Register online. Even the late Anthony Bourdain dropped in for a visit. 

Events at Arion Press 

Arion hosts talks with authors and artists, gallery exhibitions, and other events. Visit their events page. 

Online Store 

Who wouldn’t want to own a beautiful limited-edition, hand-printed book? Visit Arion Press’s online store to find a book of poetry or literature, or to peruse their collection of sketch books and note cards. 

About the Grabhorn Institute 

Arion Press is supported by the Grabhorn Institute, a non-profit that helps to preserve the hot metal type foundry. You can also make a donation online.  

A Painstaking Bookmaking Process 

Each book published by Arion Press is an exceptional work of art created by hand. Select literary texts are chosen and then matched with contemporary artists who illustrate each work. The pages are then meticulously hand bound – sewn, glued, and pressed together into a one-of-a-kind, tangible tribute to the literary work it houses. 

Nature Notes 

It’s our goal to make sure people can enjoy the Presidio’s natural beauty for generations to come. We work to protect native plants and animals while reducing our impact on the environment. 

A woman making a book at Arion Press. Photo courtesy of Arion Press.Photo courtesy of Arion Press.

Park Itineraries

Need help planning your day at the Presidio? We’ve put together some itinerary ideas for things to see and do in the park. Whether you’re planning to spend a few hours or an entire day, there’s something for everyone at the Presidio.

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