FLAX, a Legacy Business
FLAX has been contributing to the culture and character of San Francisco since 1938, when Herman and Sylvia opening up their first small art supply shop in downtown SF (shown below). Over those 85+ years we've been visited by tourists from around the world, famous artists, musicians and celebrities, and have provided continuity for generations of creative families. We are an independent, locally-owned business recognized as an iconic establishment, and listed on the Legacy Business Registry.
San Francisco established the Legacy Business Program to help preserve longstanding businesses and protect these places with intangible cultural significance that make San Francisco such a special place. Inspired by programs in cities such as Buenos Aires, Barcelona and London, registration into the Legacy Business Program is open to businesses that are 30 years or older, have been nominated by a member of the Board of Supervisors or Mayor and, in a hearing before the Small Business Commission, are acknowledged to have made a significant impact on the history or culture of their neighborhood.
We are proud to be a Legacy Business, and plan to continue contributing to our community for many more years to come. Learn more about FLAX here.
To see all the San Francisco businesses listed in the directory, click here.
This bronze plaque was installed just outside our store in Fort Mason Center on September 29, 2023.

Recent Posts
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Oakland Store Closes, Consolidating into San Francisco
Our Oakland store is Closed (our last day was Saturday, March 28). Announcement - March 24, 2026 De …10th Apr 2026 -
Philip Flax, A Life Well Lived
May 1, 1933 - November 6, 2023 Philip Leon Flax, whose life reflected the art that he supp …30th Nov 2023 -
Happy New Year
From all of us at FLAX, we wish you a Happy New Year! Among our staff we have over 250 years of comb …2nd Jan 2023
