Farewell to The Bay Lights (For Now)
The Bay Area will be a little darker for the next 11 months. The monumental LED sculpture, The Bay Lights, must be removed from the western span of the Bay Bridge in early March to allow for maintenance of the cables.
But, thanks to generous private donors and an agreement between the non-profit Illuminate the Arts and Bay Bridge officials, the artwork will be re-installed in time to shine for Super Bowl 50 and beyond.
The nonprofit arts organization successfully raised $4 million in private funds in November and December 2014 to pay for new equipment and re-installation of the artwork which should reopening in early 2016.
Say Goodbye to The Bay Lights (for now)
March 5-6, 2015
Along the Embarcadero
FREECelebrate The Bay Lights and say goodbye-for-now at the following events:
- Artist Talk & Free LED Tealight Giveaway | Thursday, March 5, 7:30 pm
The first 1,000 people to arrive at the patio behind Waterbar (399 The Embarcadero, San Francisco) will receive an LED tea light. Gifted by Illuminate the Arts in appreciation of public support for The Bay Lights, the tea lights will continue to glow while the artwork is removed for bridge maintenance and serve as a reminder that the darkness is only temporary.
Artist Leo Villareal and Illuminate the Arts Chief Visionary Officer Ben Davis will speak at 8 pm.- Final Hour Concert & Free Breakfast | Friday, March 6, 5:45 am
Illuminate the Arts will offer free coffee and pastries on the patio behind Epic Roasthouse (369 The Embarcadero, San Francisco).
The Sunrise String Quartet—two violins, a viola and a cello played by members of the San Francisco Symphony—will perform for the last hour of The Bay Lights’ illumination.
Created by artist Leo Villareal, The Bay Lights has become a beloved global icon during its two-year installation. A must-see attraction for visitors and locals alike, the sculpture has drawn international praise and had significant economic impact on the region.
