Last Sunday, I stopped by the Cliff House to check out the infamous “Giant Camera” that sits below it. I hadn’t been there in years and the last few times I’d tried to gain entry, it was closed due to poor weather conditions.
But this time, the doors were wide open and I was greeted by Robert who runs the small attraction. After paying my $3 ($2 for seniors), I was ushered into a black room that had a white, concave table in the middle. Robert made some noises and voila, a crystal clear view of Ocean Beach and Seal Rocks lay on the table in front of me.
The building is one giant camera obscura. Sitting atop it is a series of mirrors that rotate (or can be held still). The outside image hits the front facing mirror which then reflects down through a series of lenses. The image is ultimately reversed and projected down onto the viewing table inside the dark building.
Watching the image is mesmerizing. As the fixture atop the building rotates, so does the crystal-clear image, giving you a 360 degree view of the area including Ocean Beach, Seal Rocks, the Great Highway and the southern end of the Cliff House.
The giant camera was used by Leonardo da Vinco in the 15th century and was adopted by other artists who would project their image onto a canvas and paint over it to create their pieces.
Check out the video below which includes narration from Robert, who runs the giant camera. What kind of maintenance is required on a giant camera? Regular cleaning of the mirrors atop the building plus painting of the viewing table with a fresh coat of white paint twice a year.
The giant camera was built in 1946 as an extension attraction for the Playland-at-the-Beach amusement park. The Cliff House, Sutro Baths, and Playland were all owned by George Whitney at the time. Outsidelands.org has a great article on the history of the giant camera, which recently celebrated its 9th birthday as a National Landmark.
The giant camera is open to visitors year round from 11am to 5pm, but only on days when the weather is nice and clear. Visit giantcamera.com for more information. Don’t miss seeing the camera in person – it’s very cool!
Sarah B.
I’ve been once. There were several groups inside, and one girl insisted that it must be a video and not real time, because every time the view went past the Cliff House, the same man was there polishing a handrail. Then we stepped outside–and there was the man, who had been diligently working on the Cliff House’s handrail the whole time we were inside!
^ LOL! It’s clear enough to think you’re looking at hi-def video, that’s for sure. When I was inside, I wondered if people realized they were being spied on from the funny looking building below.
great post!! thanks again. love your site.
Thanks storey! 🙂
Sarah B.
Wonderful description and video.
I keep telling people that the Richmond has the best local blog in the city. Thanks again, Sarah B!
You’re welcome. Glad you enjoyed it, Jeff!
Sarah B.