Visit this one-of-a kind publisher, gallery, and living museum to see that print is alive and well.
Arion Press is one of the nation’s last printers of museum-quality, handmade books created with traditional letterpress equipment.
Within a former U.S. Army laundry facility, you’ll find the largest collection of typefaces in the United States, machinery dating back to some of the earliest printing processes in America. Here, a small but dedicated team of artisan creators is committed to the historic preservation of book publishing.
Public tours here are one of the coolest things to do in San Francisco, and they also host events.
1802 Hays Street, San Francisco, CA 94129
Muni Route: 1, 1X
Stop: California Street & Park Presidio Boulevard
Muni Route: 28
Stop: Park Presidio Boulevard & California Street
Paid parking is available on either side of the building, with a small lot on Hays Street and larger lot off Wedemeyer Street.
Arion Press is one of the last fine bookmakers of its kind. With a type foundry that’s been in continuous operation for more than 100 years, the limited edition books they produce are a testament to the rich history of fine bookmaking.
There is a parking space for those with mobility limitations near the entrance of the building, and two more in the lot behind.
Arion Press is a short walk from the Lobos Valley Overlook, where on a clear day you can see all the way to the Pacific Ocean. For those wanting to continue their historical tour of the Presidio, check out the nearby Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail, a 2.7–mile trail commemorating the 1776 journey Spanish military commander de Anza led from Sonora, Mexico to the Golden Gate.
This is a unique and authentic Presidio experience. Come for a tour or purchase one of their beautiful books online.
Arion Press hosts 90-minute guided tours, typically on Thursday afternoons, for $10. A book maker takes you through the hot metal type foundry, letterpress room, and bookbindery – one of the last facilities of its kind. Group tours are also available. Register online. Even the late Anthony Bourdain dropped in for a visit.
Arion hosts talks with authors and artists, gallery exhibitions, and other events. Visit their events page.
Who wouldn’t want to own a beautiful limited-edition, hand-printed book? Visit Arion Press’s online store to find a book of poetry or literature, or to peruse their collection of sketch books and note cards.
Arion Press is supported by the Grabhorn Institute, a non-profit that helps to preserve the hot metal type foundry. You can also make a donation online.
Each book published by Arion Press is an exceptional work of art created by hand. Select literary texts are chosen and then matched with contemporary artists who illustrate each work. The pages are then meticulously hand bound – sewn, glued, and pressed together into a one-of-a-kind, tangible tribute to the literary work it houses.
It’s our goal to make sure people can enjoy the Presidio’s natural beauty for generations to come. We work to protect native plants and animals while reducing our impact on the environment.