TUCKED ALONG A PEDESTRIAN STREET NEXT TO UNION SQUARE IS ONE OF MISS JO’S FAVORITE SAN FRANCISCO HIDEAWAYS, a small Frank Lloyd Wright building with similar features to his Guggenheim Museum in NYC. 
Built in 1948 at 140 Maiden Lane as the V.C. Morris Shop, the Wright building is now the Xanadu Gallery, which is open free to the public.
From the outside with its brick, windowless two-story exterior, the mini Guggenheim— built 11 years before the museum— gives no hint to its famous pedigree.
Step inside and the curvaceous similarities are apparent, such as an interior
ramp of white reinforced concrete leading to a mezzanine. The circular motif is repeated with built-in furniture of wood and glass, as well as port holes that double as display cases.
The inventive and eccentric Wright was so focused on casting aside conventional store designs that he even scorned display windows.
“We are not going to dump your beautiful merchandise on the street, but create an arch-tunnel of glass into which the passers-by may look and be enticed,” Wright explained to the shop owners, according to Robert McCarder’s biography of the architect.
“As they penetrate further, into the entrance, seeing the shop inside with its spiral ramp and tables set with fine china and crystal, they will suddenly push open the door and you’ve got them !,” Wright lobbied his patrons.
Photos of FLW in SF by Miss Jo
One Comment
Comments working now…yay! Love these Superior Snaps. I remember how in love I was with the Guggenheim as a kid. Know I’d love this spot, too!