Cable Car Museum

Located in the Washington-Mason Cable Car barn and powerhouse, the Cable Car Museum gives a unique insight into one of San Francisco's iconic features. Opened in 1974, the museum has captured the history of the cart and provides visitors with an in-depth look into the past use and the mechanics of cable carts. The museum takes the time to unbox cable carts for visitors and explain how they actually get up all those hills, something you may have pondered yourself.

The museum is located in a working powerhouse so it can be noisy and hot but gives a unique view into the inner workings of the service. The walking tour shows the massive cables and grips that power the carts. There are many old carts on display to show the progress of the design. This early carts are initially small and dainty, floating along the road more like platform. They then progress to more enclosed models to protect passengers from the wind and rain. All of these models and more are on display.
The museum also provides plenty of documentation of the cart’s use and place within society. Many photos and diagrams are available for viewing as well as a well-stocked bookstore for those keen on additional reading.

Best of all, visitors can “dig the bell” of a cable cart and replicate one of San Francisco’s most iconic sounds.