Illuminate SF

See Stunning Light Art on the Embarcadero

Walter Hood, 2023

Fire Station #35, 399 The Embarcadero

Located at Fire Station #35, Bow is an homage to the fireboats and their role in the cultural history of San Francisco and the Bay, especially during and the Loma Prieta earthquake. Bow takes shape as both a viewing platform and a creative sculpture, with a series of glass panels collaged with historic images and quotations to illuminate the cultural importance of Fire Station #35. The artwork, suggesting the bow of a boat, is made of wood, painted steel, aluminum, and glass and is partially enclosed by translucent panels.

The historic photos printed onto the artwork’s glass panels were selected by the artist in close partnership with the San Francisco Fire Department to honor the important history of the fireboats and their heroic role in significant events along the City’s waterfront.

Temporary

Embarcadero: Exploratorium, Pier 15 

Step into the art and science of light this winter! Seven artists illuminate Pier 15 with light sculptures big and small, inviting you to connect and get inspired in their glow. Explore the galleries for captivating new light art by Robin Baumgarten, Toshio Iwai, and Akiko Yamashita, as well as returning favorite by Luke Jerram. Paint the walls with digital light and shadow by Zach Leiberman. Walk inside hypnotic 3D illusions and questions what's real by Olivier Ratsi and try out new exhibit prototypes in the Light Lab. 

• Best Viewing: Nov. 21, 2024 - Jan. 26, 2025 at The Exploratorium

Leo Villareal, 2012

Pier 15 at Mission Street

Experience “Buckyball” by Leo Villareal, a towering 25-foot illuminated sculpture that enlivens the Exploratorium's public space in both daylight and moonlight. Inspired by futurist and inventor Buckminster Fuller's geodesic dome, the spherical, soccer ball-like form features two nested geodesic spheres comprised of 4,500 LED nodes arranged in a series of pentagons and hexagons. Scientists discovered the form in a carbon molecule in 1985 and coined it the "Buckminsterfullerence," or "Buckyball.” The piece’s light sequences are driven by chance, and can glow with more than 16 million distinct colors to create exuberant, random compositions of varied speed, color, opacity, and scale.

• Best Viewing: The Plaza at Pier 15 in front of the Exploratorium offers free public access.

Various artists

Multiple locations

Let’s Glow SF uses high-tech Panasonic projectors and lasers to project large-scale art concepts across the facade of five iconic San Francisco buildings from 5 to 10 p.m. nightly, beginning December 6.

The nation’s largest holiday projection mapping event returns for its fourth year from December 6–15, 2024. This free, nightly event will transform downtown landmarks like the Ferry Building and Salesforce Tower with dazzling light shows created by Panasonic projectors and lasers, while expanding to new locations in Yerba Buena and the East Cut. Hosted by the Downtown SF Partnership the event features work by 13 renowned artists and studios, blending technology, art, and storytelling to celebrate the holiday season. Festivities kick off with a Countdown to Glow ceremony and performances, complemented by themed treats and swag. The festival culminates on December 13 with a family-friendly block party on Front Street, showcasing music, illuminated performers, and pedestrian-only zones for holiday revelry.

The 2024 show locations include the Ferry Building at 1 Ferry Building, 101 California Street, Pacific Coast Stock Exchange at 301 Pine Street, One Bush Plaza at 1 Bush Street, 425 Folsom Street, Annie Alley at 10 Annie Street, and Salesforce Tower at 415 Mission Street. Each building’s video projection, using techniques with light, colors and music, will tell an enchanting story that celebrates the holiday season. There will also be a Let’s Glow SF art installation at East Cut Crossing at 250 Main Street.

Let’s Glow SF is produced and funded by the Downtown SF Partnership with A3 Visual.