Step inside Gumps. Feel the history. This isn’t just a store it’s a San Francisco legend. Founded in 1861 by brothers Solomon and Gustave Gump it began as a modest mirror and frame shop. The California Gold Rush fueled its early success. They sold gilded frames and European artwork to the newly wealthy.
Gumps quickly expanded. It became more than a shop. It became an art gallery importing paintings from Europe. The brothers traveled between Europe and San Francisco constantly seeking treasures. They renamed their shop Gump’s. It became synonymous with elegance and exquisite taste.
The 1906 earthquake and fire destroyed the original store. Solomon’s son Lafayette rebuilt. He commissioned a stunning Renaissance palazzo-style building on Post Street. The design mirrored other grand San Francisco buildings from the Gold Rush era.
Another son Abraham Livingston Gump added Asian art and furnishings. He had a particular passion for jade. He sent buyers across the Far East to bring back exotic treasures. Gumps became known for its unique collections. Famous customers included Franklin D Roosevelt and Sarah Bernhardt.
For over a century it remained a family business. Then it was sold to Crowell Collier in 1975. It changed hands several times. It even faced bankruptcy in 2018. Yet Gumps persevered. The Chachas family acquired it in 2019. They reopened the store at its original location 250 Post Street.
Gumps has always been more than just a store. It’s a repository of history and beauty. A place where good taste truly does cost no more. The legacy continues. Visit Gumps. Discover the magic.