SF’s “Big Art Loop” w/ 34 Miles + 100 Large Sculptures
San Francisco just got a brand-new way to explore the city: the Big Art Loop, a 34-mile open-air gallery featuring up to 100 large-scale sculptures across neighborhoods, parks, and the waterfront. And the best part? It’s completely free.
The Big Art Loop is designed for walking or biking, whether you want to tackle the whole route in a day or explore it in sections over multiple visits. Each sculpture is at least 10 feet tall, often created by local and international artists, and brought out of storage to be enjoyed by the public.
Some standout pieces already installed include:
- Coralee by Dana Albany at Pier ½, a 12-foot mermaid made from recycled glass and metal, crafted with help from schoolchildren in England
- Heartfulness by Katy Boynton at 950 Market
- Rockspinner by Zachary Coffin at Sunset Dunes
- Naga and the Captainess by Cjay Roughgarden, Jacquelyn Scott, and Stephanie Shipman at Golden Gate Park
The loop stretches from the Embarcadero and Fisherman’s Wharf, through the Marina and Presidio, south through Pacific Heights and Hayes Valley, west to Golden Gate Park and Ocean Beach, and back east through the Crocker Amazon, giving you plenty of neighborhoods to rediscover.
Founded and funded by the Sijbrandij Foundation and curated by Building 180, the project brings art into public spaces to spark conversation, create connection, and energize communities. Local partners include Rec & Park, the Port of San Francisco, SF Arts Commission, and nonprofit groups like Mid-Market Foundation, Illuminate, and Friends of Sunset Dunes.
While the official launch party is set for November 6, the Big Art Loop is already open for exploring and installations will continue to evolve over the next three years. The launch celebration, called Big Art Loop – Portside, will debut 10 new temporary sculptures on the waterfront with a festive walking tour from Pier 14 to Pier 15, featuring sea shanties from the Fishwives band, mer-folk roller skaters, artist talks, interactive activations, and dramatic reveals. Attendees are encouraged to dress in seaworthy or pirate attire to celebrate the transformation of the waterfront. RSVP
Whether you’re biking, walking, or just looking for a fresh way to see the city, the Big Art Loop offers a free, playful, and ever-changing way to experience San Francisco’s neighborhoods, parks, and waterfront, all through the lens of large-scale public art.
Learn more and plan your route: bigartloop.org
Read more at SF Recreation & Parks Dept
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