Designed by Willis Polk and Julia Morgan, the Julia Morgan Ballroom at the Merchants Exchange Building is a city landmark, and its classic Beaux Arts style is the same as that of Hearst Castle, Morgan's most famous architectural creation.

The ballroom has just gone through a huge and beautiful renovation that keeps the classic style of Julia Morgan but adds a touch of modern San Francisco.

The new entryway is now remodeled in black and white marble with the lounge maintaining its own classic coat-check room and foyer. Both rooms are richly appointed and have gilded ceilings, and used together, they form a comfortable hall with large matching fireplaces of carved creamy stone at either end. The lounge has a 27-foot curved mahogany bar that sweeps you toward the ballroom, a room that is nothing short of grand, with over 4,300 square feet of elegance. Light flows in through a wall of soaring floor-to-ceiling arched windows that afford a view of the heart of San Francisco's skyline; arched mirrors on the opposite wall reflect the light. The view overhead is also impressive—the ceiling is a honeycomb of mahogany octagonals. Like the other rooms, the ballroom is paneled, but here the walls showcase classic columns worked into the wood. At the far end, a 20-foot fireplace of the same creamy stone used elsewhere creates the final touch of majesty.

The lounge and bar area (over 1,600 square feet) can be rented exclusively, but when you reserve the ballroom, you can use the entire floor. This gives you access to several smaller rooms, perfect for bridal dressing areas or meetings.

The moment you pass through the street-level doors, you know you've arrived somewhere special. The barrel-vaulted lobby is a gorgeous entrance that sparkles with marble, gold leaf and bronze, with a cross-hatch glass ceiling. Although events are held on the Fifteenth Floor, this area can be used in conjunction with your rental. 

If you're looking for a special place to hold an event in the grand tradition, the Julia Morgan Ballroom is not to be missed. Like Hearst Castle, it has grace and opulence, but unlike Hearst Castle, it can be yours for a day or night.

Global Gourmet Catering is proud to be a preferred catering services provider for this amazing venue!