2025 SEGD Conference Experience San Francisco Tours

June 25, 2025

Join the SEGD Conference Experience San Francisco Tours, Thursday, November 13, 2025

Discover San Francisco by Design

Get ready to explore the creative pulse of San Francisco with curated tours designed exclusively for SEGD Conference attendees. From behind-the-scenes studio visits to hands-on museum experiences, rooftop landscapes to vibrant street art, these tours offer an insider’s look at the spaces, stories, and people shaping this iconic city.

Haven’t registered yet? What are you waiting for?!

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Experiential Tours – Thursday, Nov 13

From Type to Tome: A Behind-the-Scenes Tour of Arion Press

Where books are made, from comma to cover. Arion Press is the last publisher in the country to house a bindery, press room, and foundry all under one roof – allowing us to make books entirely by hand, from comma to cover. We publish three books each year, and collaborate with contemporary artists to bring works of classic literature to life in remarkable ways. Each artist book is produced as a limited edition of 250 copies. We grant visitors the opportunity to view our historic type foundry, letterpress workshop, and bindery, learn about the craft of making books by hand, and catch a glimpse of our publishing in process. We will then give guests the opportunity to peruse our Gallery Showroom, where they can browse current and backlist publications, shop our publishing, and shop gifts and souvenirs curated by our retail partner, Park Life. 

Exploratorium Unplugged: Design, Discovery, and Play at the Edge of Innovation

Come tinker, touch, test, experiment, notice, and play at the Exploratorium!  The Exploratorium is more than a museum—it’s a gateway to exploring science, art, and human perception. You’ll be introduced to the Museum along with its pedagogy and current offerings, then be invited to participate in a focus tour of your choice: our exhibit-making and repairing machine shop, the building’s sustainability features (the Exploratorium is one of the first and one of the largest zero net energy museums in the world), and special focus tours with graphics and 3D design professionals.  Enjoy some extra time to let your curiosity roam through more than 700 interactive exhibits in six spacious indoor and outdoor galleries. You can also explore our one-of-a-kind stores, dining, and more at our beautiful San Francisco bayside location.

Design Through the Ages: A Curated Journey at Letterform Archive

Delve into graphic design history with guided tour of Letterform Archive’s permanent collection. From medieval manuscripts to digital type, witness an inspiring range of human expression through design. Whether you’re a student, a design enthusiast, or simply curious, tours offer a unique opportunity to explore the Letterform Archive collection. Items to explore will be curated to participant interests.

Inside 1275: Exploring the Heart of Minnesota Street Project

1275 is Minnesota Street Project’s landmark location. Designed by Jensen Architects, this facility includes 11 permanent galleries, three spaces for rotating exhibitions, a 4,600-square-foot atrium available for programming and events, as well as a restaurant and bar space.

Voices on the Wall: A Muralist-Led Walk Through the Mission

Mission District Mural Walk Tours are always led by muralists who live in, and are very familiar with, our beautiful neighborhood. Your knowledgeable guide will walk with you and show you murals while offering commentary and answering questions. The Mission District Mural Walk tours that we offer take place in the Mission District, a special part of San Francisco that is justifiably famous for its many outdoor murals.

Skyline Sanctuary: Designing Salesforce Park Above the City

Salesforce Park is a 5.4 acre rooftop park providing respite, activity, and education for transit users, office workers and local residents alike in the middle of downtown San Francisco. You will hear from the park’s designers about the opportunities and challenges that come with creating a landscape in the sky!

Behind the Design: Curating Experience at SFMOMA

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is one of the largest museums of modern and contemporary art in the United States. Tour several exhibitions with SFMOMA’s Design Studio to learn about creating awe-inspiring art experiences in a museum context.

Design on the Move: An E-Bike Tour Through San Francisco’s Creative Landscape

Explore San Francisco by e-bike on a curated ride highlighting the city’s architecture, murals, historic landmarks, and cutting-edge wayfinding and digital design. This dynamic tour is a great way to the “best of San Francisco,” offering inspiration at every turn in a fast-paced, design-rich experience through the heart of the city.

Onsite Experience – Thursday, Nov 13

Design Improv

DESIGN IMPROV (located in the Golden Gate A Ballroom in Marriott Marquis): Led by Jemma Radick, Design Improv is the onsite option for participants. Embrace the spirit of San Francisco with SEGD’s beloved Design Improv! This high-energy workshop invites SEGD’ers of all levels to push the boundaries of creativity and challenge conventional thinking. Participants will dive into a mini design challenge that encourages spontaneous, imaginative problem-solving—it’s always inspiring, frequently rambunctious, and a refreshing break from the everyday world of design.

Pre-Event Experience – Wednesday, Nov 12

Eames Institute

Pre-event tour on Wednesday, November 12 at 11:00 am

Attendees will need to purchase their own ticket (~$70) and provide their own transportation to the Richmond, CA location