Marin County Civic Center

The Marin County Civic Center truly lives up to its Frank Lloyd Wright legacy — elegant, clean, and masterful in its use of natural light. It fits beautifully into the landscape, and I honestly think it’s one of his best public buildings after the Harrison West project. It’s closed on weekends, but on weekdays you can walk in freely without a reservation. They also offer scheduled guided tours, and if you’re really into architecture, I’d highly recommend joining one. And visually, the building is incredibly photogenic — it’s the kind of place where almost every shot looks great.

A stunning architectural masterpiece by Frank Lloyd Wright. The Marin Civic Center is an absolute must-see for architecture enthusiasts. Wright's visionary design features dramatic arched walkways, gorgeous skylights that flood the interior with natural light, and those iconic gold spheres adorning the exterior. The mid-century modern details are impeccably preserved, from the elegant wooden screens to the vintage newspaper stands. It's a fully functional government building that doubles as a work of art. Definitely worth a visit to experience this architectural gem in person.

Another absolute architectural masterpiece by Frank Lloyd Wright! Excellent 90 minute tour by local docent. Allow yourself extra time to walk around the exterior and campus. Check out the post office across the street.

A stunning piece of architecture and a great place to get married (like my daughter just did!) Helpful staff and little waiting. We spent a considerable amount of time after the ceremony looking at all the incredible photos, artwork, and amazing architectural details in the building. If you love mid-century buildings, this place is worth a visit.

If you’re a Frank Lloyd Wright fan, make some time to stop by the Marin Civic Center. There’s a Scenic View walkway that allows you to explore the outside of the building at your own pace. Tours are available certainly days of the week.

If you saw the movie Gattaca, you saw this building. The Marin Civic Center is one of the few Frank Lloyd Wright buildings in California. Well worth a visit on a weekday when the municipal offices and public library are open. There’s also an exterior scenic overlook path that takes you to the balcony under the main dome that is spectacular. Highly recommend for those who are architecturally inclined.

An actual local farmers market. Spread out on a park like parking lot at the civic center. Clouds broke and it became a beautiful January morning. Best food venders and so many choices made for shorter lines. Masterful produce, bakery’s stand out.

It is an extraordinarily unique and interesting government center. Frank Lloyd Wright designed it with his principles of organic architecture to form amazing spaces and beautiful views of the surrounding landscape while bringing the outside into the building. The new roof repairs look blutiful.

I had no idea that they did tours at the Marin County Civic Center. The information about Frank Lloyd Wright was very interesting. The tour was very informative. There were areas that I've never seen and the history was fascinating. I highly recommend people take the tour because the history of the building is fascinating. I didn't know that there was a library there it's built in such a way that it absorbs the noise so it's very quiet and peaceful in there.

Sage is a very hardworking and thorough worker that helped make sure all of my paperwork was squared away. She made my experience very easy.

107/2024 Have been planning to visit here for the longest time! Considered the state and National Historic landmark located in San Rafael, California! Finally got to see Frank Lloyd Wright's last major design in 1957. He was a famous American Architect known for his creative structure modern design concept. In his 70 years practice, he designed more than 1000 structures including residential. ( https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Lloyd_Wright) Most buildings are highrise but this civic center was designed horizontally with a span of almost 450 meters long consisting of 3 -4 stories high. This building was built spanding on the top crowns of 3 separate hills. An archway creating for entrance to the buildings , and a road access to parking areas. Limited hours parking on site available with Parking lots in sections. Beautiful Landscaping done in this 82 acre complex with a lagoon adds to the wonderful ambience of the center. This civic center was built in 1960 and houses the county's different community services departments like: Agriculture , Weights & Measures County Clerk Board of Supervisors Community Development Agency Child Support Services Cultural Services District Attorney Departure of Finance Court Collections Fire Department Civil Grand Jury Human Resources Human & Health Services Housing Authority Information & Technology Free County Library Superior Court Public Administrator Public Works Public Defender Registrar of Voters Recorder Retirement Sheriff Tax Collector We were able to walk inside building enjoying the arts on display , and also visited the library. Restrooms are well maintained. The center roof Skylights covering brightens the long hallways while giving sunlight to the center opening overlooking landscaping at the ground level. Group tours also available on Fridays from 10:30 to noon. Have to purchase tickets and be ready to a mile walk for 90 minutes. For more info email tours@marincounty.org

I stumbled onto this glorious complex during a stay in San Rafael and immediately recognized it as a Frank Lloyd Wright as I was driving by. Gorgeous! On a Saturday, the complex was drivable and viewable from the exterior but I didn't get the opportunity to see inside the gates or to wander the grounds up close. Still such an experience to see a FLW of this size and presence. A masterpiece but also not quite timeless in design. It looks like a lot to keep up and I can imagine that the interiors might not be well suited for the computer age or for the demands of the modern workplace. Good for Marin County for doing what they can to maintain the complex. It still looks great!

This visit -- on Dec 28 -- was recommended by a friend of mine who is a BIG fan of the renown American architect Frank Lloyd Wright (FLW). This is a must-see place for all FLW and architecture lovers! I had been to Fallingwater in Pennsylvania, the Martin House in Buffalo, and various FLW buildings in Chicago. Before arrival, I did not read up about the MCCC -- I just left it to surprise as I had the other locations I visited before. And so I was shocked to find this MASSIVE complex as we drove up to it. Turns out this was FLW's largest commission. My jaw dropped at its enormity and I was SO excited to venture in and around the property for a tour. Unfortunately due to my lack of preparedness, I had not checked to see tour options until a few days before. I learned (to my dismay) that all tours for that week were sold out, and that tours only run on FRIDAYS at 10:30am - 12pm. Thankfully they have a PDF self-guided tour document. So my friends and I followed that instead. We spent a good 2 hours there, as we took in every nook and cranny. It was incredible! Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes. There are architectural details indoor and outdoor. Be sure to go out to all the outdoor areas: parks and balconies! Especially the spot outside of the cafeteria, which offers great views of the county! As others have noted: the complex was designed by FLW but the construction was not completed by him. All this is covered in the tour, of course, and you'll get to hear about what elements were not as FLW had wished. It was fascinating to hear how the builders had to adapt to more local materials and change choices due to cost and maintenance limitations. Unlike many of other FLW buildings, this one is fully in use by the county for many government departments, other city services and businesses. So be mindful of privacy when visiting. Only disappointment was that the FLW Foundation did not have a gift shop here anymore or regular volunteers here for in-person tours. But still, this is a must-see place for all FLW and architecture lovers!

Last major project of one of the early forerunners of modern architecture, Frank Lloyd Wright. His concept of not destroying the environment with the structure but incorporating the design to adopt to it and blend well. Setting the some forty story high building if set up vertically instead was laid horizontally so it wouldn't stand out against the surroundings. Unique blue roof color was chosen to reflect the sky. Interior landscape design and openness concept creates a feeling of connection with outside in-spite of being confined in this massive building. Memorable experience to have been able to have visited the work of one of my most admired architect......"Form follows function"

The County Civic Center building in Marin can be credited to Frank Loyd Wright, but it's definitely not his best work. This is almost certainly because the building was completed after Mr. Wright's death. Tip: There's a tour available inside for a small fee If you want to see an example of what might be Frank Loyd Wright's best work, crank up the 'ole Lear Jet and fly it to Laurel Highlands in Pennsylvania to see the Fallingwater house. It was built in 1035 over a waterfall on Bear Run in the Mill Run section of Fayette County.

I want to thank the Sheriff's Department for repeatedly checking Main Dr. in San Rafael. The "NO PARKING" signs are being taken down and the people who are taking their children to Glenwood Elementary School are constantly blocking the road (between 8:15-8:40am) making it close to impossible for the people who live on Main Dr. to get there own children to school. Thank you for repeatedly responding to this issue.

Sci-fi Alien-retro UFO Building that landed in Marin. FLWs last work which was completed by his family and Architecture firm after he passed away. It's his largest public space and the Post Office is the only government building he ever designed. It's 1 of 3 FLW designs in California you can see the inside, others being Hollyhock House in LA and Hanna House at Stanford University. Gattaca was filmed here, the large skylight and iconic interior easily identifiable. Lesser known fact, George Lucas filmed THX 1138 here and was inspired by this building in his art direction guidance for the Star Wars city of Naboo. Since it was his last work it's the grand summary from an illustrious long career in architecture. There are many interesting architectural details which are more Euclidean and graphic than some of his earlier work. Not super well maintained, has the leaky skylights that are super complicated to repair.

Interesting building with some great history and art. Definitely worth a visit. Unfortunately the amazing cafe is no longer but they have coffee and vending machines.

The tour was well worth the money, just make sure you park in the FREE all day parking and allow time to take the tour. It runs an hour long. The docent was a wealth of knowledge and fun to listen to. There are elevators and stairs so you have two options when getting up and down. If you are looking for a courthouse to get married, this is your place. You can get married by the fountain overlooking the city and have the most gorgeous pictures.

Not proud of this review since this is Gattaca after all. Have said OVER AND OVER AGAIN that am too far to be coming in for jury duty and yet every two years they keep friggin' serving me anyway. Today, during Covid-19, they said can't postpone. Huh??? Maybe it's a time limit on how late you can reschedule your appearance. Dressed up for the occasion. Wore a grey suit because figured this is a luxurious building and it is the professional, RIGHT thing to do. Creepy, holier than thou old people particularly from Mill Valley relentlessly accosted me the whole time; mean mugging, taunting, getting a little too close and straight up teasing me. Check footage for WEIRDO who said "was just trying to say HELLOOO to you." Are you effing KIDDING me? Is THAT really how you want the direction of Gattaca to go? That it turns from a 50s/ futuristic hybrid-looking wonder into yet another haven for crazies who can't shut their mouth and mind their own business?! Geez was trying to AVOID San Francisco ...not duplicate it. One more urban area bites the dust and succumbs to sub par PC human behavior. The ONLY folk who showed DISCIPLINE around here were the judge, lawyers, office clerks, guards and custodial personnel. News flash to the snickering busybodies trying to get out of court, the guards were NOT pleased to hear that you were giving everyone and anyone an ATTITUDE just because YOU don't like being there. This is the setting of one of the GREATEST sci-fi's of all time, dumb@$$! During the jury it was one complaint after the next from know-nothing, cocky rich people trying to give contractors one star reviews when it was a SIMPLE QUESTION: can you be impartial? Really expect more from folk who show up only once every two years and have expensive degrees (and yet they can't even look someone else directly in the eye without making it awkward.) What a bunch of incompetent and moronic jurors. Glad did not end up having to work with them. Would prefer teaching kindergarteners over trying to reason with them. Young people CARE, alright? How to increase the star rating? Don't have so many freaks in one room who can't BE QUIET or SIT STILL. Keep hiring people like the friendly legal people, custodian who helped me and guards who WELCOMED me. Now THAT made me think this is the Gattaca that know it to be. Am SO disappointed that the film's civility did not match the reality's abrasive atmosphere. Also overheard some bullish!t jurors with this prissy schoolgirl-acting old lady referring to someone as an "@$$hole" (heard what heard) and heard other swear words IN the court room, lack of jurors using the term "your HONOR" and the Asian-American dude with glasses appeared to look at me then down and shake his head? What a bunch of frantic suckers. THEY should be the defendants. So ...my bad... don't dress up here. Funny, in that society, many of the clowns that had to deal with would be genetically accepted. Bah! To me they wouldn't be able to serve ice cream. Pisses me off. The view of the church and the walkability are a plus, though, so do keep that because it truly is an amazing piece of architecture that should really be a place of meritocracy.

This a cool 70's building filled with mostly helpful bureaucrats. Make sure you check the hours for the department you wish to visit before heading out as hours for different departments vary.

This was an impromptu visit. We were going to simply drive around San Pablo Bay, but seeing this building from the freeway reminded me of all the research I did on this place just for this reason. Road Day Trip. My intrigue was fueled by the architecture I've seen by Fran Lloyd Wright. Mostly homes and mostly what has been highlighted on television. Since this day was devoted to having maximum amount of fun, we made this a diversion. Passing through the ArtDeco brass front doors, we are greeted by an indoor garden. This garden goes throughout the main building, all floors. Amazing. The building doesn't feel humid or cold, chilly. It does feel the perfect temperature of warm. We said hello to a garden care taker who was busy watering away. We should have asked her how the temperature is maintained. Having drawn the interest of someone who knew the place, we were tipped off to the roof top gardens. What a view! It was a rainy, grey day, but that didn't stop us from going outside. It's a nice spot to sit and relax. The FLW designed building is like all his buildings, homes, a piece of art. We found the parking lot to have plenty of parking on a weekday. They do mark your tires so pay attention to the parking limitation signs.

Frank Lloyd Wright's graceful Civic Center in Marin can be seen from Highway 101, but I strongly recommend turning off and paying it a visit. You can wander inside to see the elegant, airy atrium with its art-deco ballustrades and walk on the terraces overlooking the pools and gardens. Up close, the low-slung building, with its recurring archways motif, looks like some futuristic sultan's palace. It even has an intensely blue dome with an attending church-like spire. Perhaps appropriate that it was used in the movie GATTACA as the center for the perfection of mankind.

I went to see 'California 3017 World Guitar Show' It featured mostly California guitar shops, one from Oregon , one from Washington two from Oklahoma. Mostly vintage guitars. The entry cost was a bit steep, $20.

Marin County Civic Center houses marin county's administrative and judicial offices. had to come here a few time to take care of tickets(moving violations sort of) and other stuff. -the chores dealt with routinely notes: -parking is hard to find and far from the offices. worst of the ordeal.

Am amazing Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece. His largest and last public project! Well worth the visit for the self guided or docent tour!

Love the architecture great place to see a show like Hal Holbook as Mark Twaine. You can preorder your drinks in advance.

While reading various publications, I'd see architectural drawings. I'd get excited and think, "Wow, where's that place because I'd want to visit it" only to discover that it was a conceptual drawing for something that was never built. If someone showed me the designs for the Marin County Civic Center, I'd expect the same disappointment that these fabulous drawings never resulted in a real building because it would be too outrageous and ridiculous. Thankfully, that's not true and a big reason the Civic Center is astounding. Its appeal only increases knowing that it might be Frank Lloyd Wright's largest work and done in a style he never used anywhere else (that I know of). Designed in 1955 with the first stage completed in 1962, it was also one of FLW's final creations. Making great use of the circle theme, the balls and rust-orange colors give it an unusual Arabian circus feel which somehow translated into the futuristic settings for THX 1138 and Gattaca. (Going to need to rewatch those films to see how that made sense.) There are one-hour tours on Wednesdays at 10:30A, but can be easily visited without a tour. As a public building that includes the county library, there were few access limitations. We spent one hour wandering and reading the educational displays. Typical of FLW's ability to design user-unfriendly buildings, it's hard to navigate the building despite the simple, single-hallway floor plan. When visiting, try to find the following key areas: - First floor where the building bends is the best place to start to learn about the building. - Room #233 is the cafeteria with access to the fountain and 172-foot spire. - Room #328 is the art gallery. - Room #427 is the county library with the domed ceiling and matching dome light fixtures. - Next to Room #400 is an outdoor garden. - Next to Elevator #1 where the atrium opening between floors goes outside to the driveway.

I'm in a sentimental mood today, so I'm gonna do this one a little early... It's weird. It's cool. And in my household, it's often referred to as 'The Temple of Doom'. This is where St. Hubbins and I ended up one afternoon a few years ago, fresh off the beach, on a perfect August day. In t-shirts and shorts, with sand in our shoes. In the garden, by the fountain. Just us and a lovely woman who stood in for the county clerk to read us our vows...'better' (yep), 'worse' (definitely), 'richer' (uh, sure), 'poorer' (present), 'sickness' (been there), 'health' (done that). Due to the longevity of our relationship, we'd most definitely covered them all (and by some accounts, we're cycling through them again). And so by the giant spire and all that priceless grooviness you can only get from Frank Lloyd Wright (ok, and St. Hubbins too), we completed our Death March after nearly 20 years together. Yeah, I said it. Though I'm no mathlete, it would seem that love + a moderate degree of insanity + contractual obligation = you're married. And if you're up for it, I cannot think of a cooler place to take the plunge.

We ventured to the county clerk's office today to finally get our marriage license and "deputize" our friend Nicole who will be performing the ceremony. As we're about 8 days out from the big day it was high time we finally made time to get licensed to wed. We were the first in line and the clerk was really nice, no-nonsense and fast about everything. We were in and out in about 20 minutes or so. She explained everything that we needed to do and explained what NOT to do as well, which was helpful. The interior corridors are really nice but the offices themselves are pretty standard drab civil servant quarters. Good to know: - Clerk opens at 9, closes at 4. - There are some furlough days on Wednesdays when the clerk will be closed, so check that out before you come on a Wednesday - The floors at the civic center go Lobby, C (for court), 1 then 2. The clerk's office is on the second (top) floor. - Have your forms filled out in advance. These pepole do a LOT of work in a day and don't have time to wait for you to get yourself organized - There's a coffee shop/cafeteria in there that's not bad at all and the coffee is fairly reasonably priced - If you get something regarding traffic school that tells you to go to the clerks office between 8-9, ignore it and go to level C. Apparently they had a bunch of traffic school sheets printed up with incorrect info.

Bold in structure & color & detailing. Another one of the many works that demonstrates how great FLW architecture withstands the test of time. I've loved how unique this building was ever since I first saw the movie Gattaca.

Beautiful building. It's just so cool, historic and confusing yet functional at the same time! Get your marriage license here (or divorce) while your kids check out the library, among things they offer It's even cooler if you've seen GATTACA. Thanks FLW!

Nice venue! I came here for the 1st Annual PACIFIC PINBALL EXPO on 10/06/07! Awesome event (see: http://neptunebeachamusementmuseum.org/ppexpo/ ). This was a perfect venue for this show. I can't wait to go back again next year. Parking is excellent - it's safe and plentiful. check out the Pinball News article: http://www.pinballnews.com/shows/pacificpinballexpo2007/index.html

Beautiful design, a nod to the space-age designs that were a fad at the time, and worth a visit, but all I can think of when I see this place is the really unfortunate shooting that occurred here in 1970.

I drove to the Marin County Civic Center to take a test for a job that I applied for a couple weeks ago. There were over 300 people were there to take the same test that I was there for and there were only three positions opened. You do the math. Anyway, my point in typing up this review is to rave about how amazing this building is! I was unable to venture off and have a "complete" tour of the place, but from what I was able to see, I loved.

Attended the Gem Fair BEST: It comes often every year. The gemstones, customized beads to make your own necklace and bracelet - and they can customize it for you. Perhaps you have a piece of jewelry that needs adjusting. Or you can simply purchase the jewelry from the number of vendors there. I come for the stones and to purchase a few affordable earrings. Admission is Free! WORST: Not enough variety for necklace, rings, and bracelets. This is a Gem Fair so naturally the jewelry is large. I was looking for not so shiny silver necklace pendant, or rings. Overall, it's a lot of fun to visit!

Beautful builing by frank loyd wright. GO for my probation hearings, before moving back into san francisco. go to marin on vacation found myself on probation. Have an obsession with the half circles, and the cafe has good burgers

What a confusing building...very easy to get lost. It so turns out the main entrance is closed on Saturdays, but the library is open on Saturday's. So when I went this past weekend I thought the library was closed cause the main entrance was closed. There is an amazing veiw from the cafeteria on the second floor. Frank Lloyd Wright designed this building. This building is four stories high.

Absolutely beautiful and the park across the street is so nice to sit outside at and look at the beautiful architecture while people watching. Nice if you're in the neighborhood.

From the outside this building will impress. Once you get inside you have the realization that it is in desperate need of a face-lift. If you factor in the ample parking, the farmer's market, and the architecture, it's still a pretty damn cool.

A building either lost in time or far ahead of its time. A special place for Gattaca lovers.

When driving to and from San francisco,I always wondered what the rest of the blue domed building looked like as I flew up and down 101.Finally took the exit and was completely blown away by the beauty and foresight of this wonderful building.What a coup for San rafael to get FLW to design it.This is truly a beautiful building .If you have ever been curious about this building as you drive 101,get off,have a look,and prepare to be awestruck.