Scenic Overlook
 
 Marin Civic Center Skylight
Photo taken by Chris Willis
 
 Marin Civic Center Roof
Photo taken by Leef Smith

While not everyone finds Jury Duty a treat, it’s a bit more appealing when you get to go to the fantastic Marin County Civic Center to pay your civic duty. A national- and state-designated historic landmark designed by internationally acclaimed US architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the Civic Center is an amazing monument to his vision of blending the indoor and outdoor worlds with organic architecture. (One example: the long horizontal buildings are meant to link the “crowns” of the three surrounding hills; the distinctive bright blue roof blends into the sky.)

While most people don’t go to the Civic Center to linger, there is actually a lot to see and do there – not to mention just simply admiring the building inside and out. Each month, on the third floor and in the lobby of the administration building, the Marin Arts Council exhibits works by a variety of local artists; and the Civic Center library, built under an 80-foot diameter dome, offers all the amenities of other branch libraries, and in particular is a wonderful resource for those interested in California history (especially the history and culture of Marin County) and Frank Lloyd Wright himself. A little-known way to appreciate the exterior of the structure is by visiting the Scenic Overlook, located outside the Board of Supervisors’ Chambers. To access the overlook from outside the building, follow the path that leads to a rooftop area. From there you have a fine view of the unique roofline and an up-close view of the spire; you can also see out to San Pablo Bay and Santa Venetia as well.

Also of note, the Civic Center was used in the George Lucas sci-fi movieTHX-1138 in 1969 and Gattaca in 1997. Both movies used this building of distinctive architecture, built in the late ‘50s/early 60s, to represent the future.
 
To learn more about the Civic Center, there are docent-led tours of the facility every Wednesday at 10:30 am. You can also travel through a virtual tour online: Introduction and First Floor Orientation.

For architecture buffs, San Rafael boasts another example of modern works through the work of Joseph Eichler and his “Eichler-style” homes. 

Eager for more historic landmarks? Here’s a list of historic sites in Marin County.

Follow along as the full list unfolds – 100 Reasons Why We Love Where We Live

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Posted by:  Frank Howard Allen Realtors