SF’s Secret Masterpieces
Art Hidden in Plain Sight
Though the SFMOMA may be closed until 2016, there’s no shortage of art stashed away throughout the city to keep you inspired. You just need to know where to look. Funcheap.com has partnered with our friends at Sosh.com to uncover six secret (and free!) masterpieces right in your backyard.
1. Public Works: Embellished Wall
Where: 161 Erie Street
Why You Care: If you’ve ever danced the night away at Public Works, this wall probably looks familiar. But it’s more than any ol’ spray-painted bar – the first stencil on the wall was done by world-famous graffiti artist Banksy. In April 2010, he drew the long tree trunk and stenciled the bird tweeting through a megaphone on its branch. While many others artists have contributed to the work-in-progress over the years, Banksy’s original contribution remains front and center.
2. The Circle Gallery
Where: 140 Maiden Lane
Why You Care: Next time you’re in Union Square, detour to the Xanadu Gallery to see San Francisco’s only building by the esteemed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Built in 1948, the Circle Gallery was used by Wright as proof of concept for the interior of NYC’s Guggenheim Museum, prototyping the cutting-edge spiral ramp that defines the iconic building.
3. The Allegory of California
Where: 155 Sansome Street
Why You Care: Diego Rivera’s first fresco in the US was painted on the main stairwell of the Pacific Stock Exchange Lunch Club (now the City Club) in 1931. Featuring a large depiction of Calafia, the Spirit of California, the surrounding figures and elements represent the union of agriculture and industry as a celebration of our state’s riches. Though the space is usually reserved for members, you can visit daily from 3-5PM.
4. The Golden Fire Hydrant
Where: 20th and Church
Why You Care: 1906 was a devastating year for San Francisco as the Great Earthquake led to massive fires that blazed through the city and ran hydrants dry. The Mission was on the precipice of ruin, but for a single functional hydrant remaining atop the hill on 20th and Church. This mighty hydrant saved the Mission from burning to the ground, as the last water source to the neighborhood. Every year on April 18th at 5:12AM (when the earthquake hit), the Fire Chief re-paints the hydrant to commemorate the little hydrant that could.
5. Charlie Brown
Where: 2 Folsom
Why You Care: Located in the publicly accessible atrium of the Gap headquarters, the 60-ft steel sculpture by legendary minimalist Richard Serra is one of the most breathtaking pieces in the city. Named for the late Charles Schulz (as an homage to the Charlie Brown creator on the morning of his death), the interactive construction allows viewers to walk into the center of the sculpture to experience a meditative confluence light, sound, and space.
6. Spire
Where: The Presidio, near Arguello Gate
Why You Care: Globally renowned for his breathtaking use of natural materials, the acclaimed sculptor and environmentalist Andy Goldsworthy has tucked away three original works in the heart of the Presidio. The most striking of the bunch is Spire, constructed in 2008 from 35 Monterey Cypress trees that were cut down to allow for new growth. Reaching 90-ft high, the remarkable work off the Bay Area Ridge Trail is the perfect intervention of man in nature.
This story is brought to you as a partnership of Funcheap and Sōsh: a site and app that helps San Franciscans discover amazing events, activities, and places around the city. With insider tips and personalized recommendations, Sōsh will make sure you’re always ahead of the curve.
Photo Credits: Jessica Sheridan, Steve Rhodes, Joaquín Martínez, rocor, Noël, Ryan Gessner
