The Extraordinary Cow Palace explored the people and events at the Cow Palace that made history. Themes in the exhibit included The Grand National, Music Entertainment, Family Entertainment, Competitive Events, Exhibitions, and Conventions.
On view: March 2, 2024 – November 9, 2025
Location: Changing Exhibit Gallery
Shirley Temple Black and her daughter with the Beatles at the Cow Palace, August 1964. Courtesy Cow Palace.
The 1-A District Agricultural Association opened the Cow Palace in 1941. This state agency of the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Division of Fairs and Expositions was conceived at the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition to house a great animal and livestock show. Over the years, the Grand National has included a Livestock Exposition, Horse Show and Rodeo.
Starting with Bob Hope, celebrities who visited the Cow Palace autographed the walls of the box office. Who do you recognize?
In honor of the opening of the exhibit, a panel shared their experiences. Panelists included Allison Keaney (moderator), John Root, George Yerby, Donna Pini Peralta, Bruce Ede, Ken Flower, Kevin Patterson, and Ted Luff.
On July 20, 2024, Jim Fitzpatrick presented One of the Cow Palace’s Major Attractions…Professional Roller Derby and the Legendary San Francisco Bay Bombers. Fitzpatrick was first a skater and later a coach and general manager of the Bay Bombers.
