Please Note: You will NOT get a confirmation email after your register. A staff member will process registrations and let registrants know if a space is available for you on this limited capacity tour.
Discover the History of the San Francisco Columbarium & Plan Ahead with Confidence
Join NEXT Village for a special guided tour of the historic San Francisco Columbarium, an architectural and cultural treasure tucked away in the city. This unique experience offers the opportunity to explore a beautiful landmark while learning about the importance of planning ahead for life’s final chapter.
Originally designed in 1898 by British architect Bernard Cahill and later carefully restored, the Columbarium is both a serene resting place and a fascinating window into San Francisco’s past. Once part of the historic Odd Fellows Cemetery, the building features a stunning rotunda with mosaic tile floors, ornate stained-glass windows and a domed skylight. Its breathtaking 45-foot atrium is surrounded by intricate balconies, and each of the four floors reveals stories and memorials that reflect the rich history of the city.
The Columbarium houses cremated remains in beautifully designed memorial niches. Unlike traditional in-ground burials, these niches often reflect the personalities and passions of those memorialized. As you walk through the galleries, you’ll see creative tributes—from urns shaped like cookie jars to elaborate homages to the San Francisco Giants, miniature golf bags, dancing Hawaiian figurines and more. Many well-known and influential San Franciscans are interred here, including individuals whose names live on in streets, landmarks and local history.
The Columbarium is part of the Dignity Memorial network of funeral, cremation and cemetery service providers, known for compassionate care and personalized service.
Following the tour, we will participate in a thoughtful, open discussion about a topic many people avoid: planning what you would like done after you die. While we carefully plan vacations, celebrations and milestones, conversations about end-of-life wishes are often postponed because they can feel difficult.
This session provides a comfortable, informative space to ask questions and learn about funeral planning, final resting place options and the benefits of pre-planning. By making arrangements in advance, you can help spare your loved ones the emotional and financial burden of making difficult decisions during a time of grief—and ensure your personal wishes are honored.
Come explore a hidden architectural gem, learn about San Francisco history and gain peace of mind by starting an important conversation about the future.
Please note:
- This tour will require walking up three levels on narrow staircases. If you would not be comfortable doing so or if you are interested in learning about the SF Columbarium on another date, you can contact the Columbarium directly at 415-771-0717 to attend one of their Funeral and Cremation Planning Seminars.
- Per NEXT Village policy, dogs are not permitted unless they are service animals trained to assist individuals with disabilities.
- NEXT Village and D2U members have priority for the 12 spots on this tour until 4/7. If you are not yet a NEXT Village member, Click here to watch a quick video to learn about NEXT Village and you can Click here to learn about membership benefits & to apply if you want to join our vibrant community.
- You will NOT get a confirmation email after registering for this event unless a staff member confirms you for a spot on this limited capacity tour.