San Francisco has lights that bring art to the streets during the night. The art exhibits created by Illuminate SF add beauty to the city providing a reason to walk through the city when the sun goes down. San Francisco has public art that can be enjoyed and appreciated by everyone. Many of these light exhibits are accessible by the Muni system, and you can view them for free. The Golden Gate Bridge, Bayview, Embarcadero, North Beach, and Yerba Buena are all places to see light art in San Francisco. The Bay Lights Location: West Span, San Francisco Bay Bridge The Bay Lights was created by artist Leo Villareal. 25,000 white LED lights build the light show that is positioned along the western span of the San Francisco Bay Bridge. The lights create patterns that are constantly changing and seem random. The Bay Lights was installed and completed in 2013 and was gifted to the State of California. The Bay Lights has become a vital part of San Francisco. The bridge is glistening with lights, and some of the best views are on the northern Embarcadero waterfront or the Exploratorium at Pier 15. Day for Night Location: Salesforce Tower Another Jim Campbell creation, Day for Night, is one of the most monumental pieces of art on the Salesforce Tower. This installation is home to 11,000 lights and video components. These video components are scenes that have been filmed in different locations in San Francisco. The fog's shifting glow can be seen from nearly anywhere in the city and beyond, unless it’s especially heavy,
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Tara Mechani
Location: Patricia's Green
Constructed by Dana Albany, “Tara Mechani” is a monumental light sculpture that draws inspiration from both ancient Buddhist feminine figures and the concept of a female robot. Standing at 17 feet tall, the sculpture is made from 80% recycled materials, and contains a chandelier within.
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Language of the Birds
Location: Broadway and Columbus Ave.
Artists Brian Goggin and Dorka Keehn created “Language of the Birds,” which features 23 solar-powered, illuminated books that are hung across the street as if in flight.
As you walk underneath the “birds” on the north side of Broadway, look down. You will see the plaza pavement inscribed with a sampling of words from varied languages that represent the American, Italian, and Chinese communities of San Francisco, a place where diverse cultures blend and thrive.
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LOVE OVER RULES
Location: Annie Alley at Mission Street
American artist Hank Willis Thomas presents “LOVE OVER RULES," a large-scale, text-based light work. It is the artist’s first permanent public work, and although he lives in New York, he has maintained strong connections to the arts and culture communities in San Francisco.
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Disembark at Bayview Gateway Park to view work at Pier 92. On your return trip, it’s worth the delay to explore Dogpatch, which features independent galleries, dining establishments, bars, and craft shops.
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