Art is all around us in San Francisco, from our breathtaking architecture to our lush decorated gardens. Yet a great way to come across art is when you least expect it, which our city definitely encourages. San Francisco is filled with plenty of talented artists who have created works tucked away in our many nooks and crannies, and we have rounded up a few of the best ones to find next time you're out exploring, because they are just as stunning as they are surprisingly tucked away.
See also: Balmy Alley is Mission District's Popular And Historically Significant Mural Spot
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165 Jessie St / Website
We definitely elevate all of our artworks here, literally. When around SOMA and the SFMOMA, make sure to look up at the Salma Family Building to catch this dazzling light display by Hank Willis Thomas positively reminding you that love overrules (or is it "love over rules?"). This is a delightful find that instills a warm and wholesome feeling when the bustle of the Financial District gets overwhelming.
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55 9th St / Website
Another unusual, but impressive masterpiece is "Caruso' Dream" by Brian Goggin and Dorka Keehn, identifiable by the large pianos precariously perched on the side of the AVA 55 Ninth apartment building! These floating pianos sit in a quiet area but will definitely grab your attention by its whimsical placement and posh glowing lights that are equally elegant as it is imaginative.
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127 Ellis St / Website
"Say Her Name" is a mural by Russian painter Kate Tova in the TenderNob that is dedicated in solidarity to Breonna Taylor, Meagan Hockaday, Kendra James, and all the other countless black women unjustly murdered at the hands of unwarranted police violence.
The compelling masterpiece is also adorned with many beads, and is vividly painted in vibrant technicolor to illuminate the beauty and diversity of black women, particularly in remembrance to the women whose names should not and will not be forgotten or erased.
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400 Castro St / Website
Located on the corner of Castro Street that crosses Market, this light display acts both as like a welcome sign into the storied neighborhood, as well as a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength the queer community has, and continues to have, in historically refusing to be marginalized or persecuted. Designed by Ben Davis, look above the Soul Cycle to catch this small, but poignant neon sign further illuminated by the surrounding rainbow lights.
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99 Grove St / Website
The Bill Graham Civic Auditorium is a landmark where the most legendary acts have been hosted inside, yet few have seen the rest of the large venue's exterior. Come around to the building's side to view the "Word Family Tree" by Joseph Kosuth, which thoroughly elucidates the etymology of "civic" and "auditorium." For all those curious about word origins and future iterations, this is a fun find that comes with an English lesson in a playfully captivating artistic approach.
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269 Drumm St / Website
Located in peaceful Sue Bierman Park, this giant bronze chain segment by Man Lin Chen is meant to symbolize our strong bond with South Korea, where they also have their sister sculpture over in Inchon.
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345 Stockton St / Website
Many flock over to the sleek Apple Store in Union Square, but few hang out in their open back patio where this captivating sculpture casually sits, which may even be more entertaining than the phones. Designed by beloved local luminary Ruth Asawa, this bronze fountain is encrusted with mini sculptures of the entirey of San Francisco, which will definitely be your favorite art piece to come across and then later impress others.
You will be fascinated with finding every detail surrounding the fountain, down to the filigree of the mini Ferry Building, Palace of Fine Arts, Lombard Street, and more.
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83 Marina Green Dr / Website
The Wave Organ may be a small trek to find, but once there you will not be able to leave its intriguing acoustic features. Fabricated in 1986 by Peter Richards and George Gonzalez, this sculpture dynamically works with the tides to produce music from its 25 organ pipes cleverly placed all around. This is another impressive date area where you can just sit and enjoy the views accompanied by charming music made right from the waters as well, especially during high tides.
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320 Columbus Ave / Website
How does one commemorate the the feeling of stimulating creativity and the literary history of North Beach and Chinatown? With flying books, naturally! Uplifted by string, this eccentric artwork by Brian Goggin with Dorka Keehn emulates books magically flapping away, but that's not all- look down to also see cute quotes from them all decorating the ground.
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50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr / Website
The DeYoung Museum is overflowing with art, even from before you walk in. Perhaps the most subtle of them all, look out at the outside atrium for a thin crack following all through the area. While it may look natural, this line is actually intentional by Andy Goldsworthy of the Presidio's Spire and Wood Line, and through its hyperrealistic execution, carefully symbolizes our city's delicate placement on the fault line. Point this out and explain the backstory to become your company's own knowledgeable art docent.
There's plenty more unexpected art out there, and now you know to always keep an eye out because you never know where it might surprise you!
See also: These San Francisco Murals Created by Queer Artists Will Excite You for Pride Month
Photography by: Sukanya Basu/Unsplash
