SF’s Spectacular 1,200-LED Light Show to Dazzle Civic Center
SPECTRA: A Dazzling New Light Installation Transforms San Francisco’s Civic Center
San Francisco’s Civic Center is about to shine brighter than ever with the unveiling of SPECTRA, a groundbreaking LED art installation set to illuminate Fulton Plaza. This massive public art project, developed by local nonprofit Illuminate in partnership with the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department, will bring a dynamic, ever-changing display of color and movement to the heart of the city.
Spanning 1.6 acres and adorning the rooftops of the San Francisco Public Library and the Asian Art Museum, SPECTRA features 1,271 individually programmable LEDs that ripple in response to sound, light, and energy. The installation, designed by Oakland-based artist Joshua Hubert, mimics the movement of light and sound waves, creating a mesmerizing visual experience for visitors and locals alike.
A Brighter Civic Center
For years, San Francisco’s Civic Center has been a space of cultural significance, but it has also faced challenges. Illuminate’s founder, Ben Davis, sees SPECTRA as part of a larger effort to rejuvenate the area.
“The long-held promise of a revitalized city center is finally starting to take shape. The Civic Center area is being transformed into a safer, cleaner, well-lit, and more vibrant part of our city. Illuminate is honored to be part of this sustained, collective effort to restore this area as a source of pride and a true gathering place for the community.”
Hubert, known for his innovative work blending light, technology, and community engagement, was invited in 2023 to envision a project that would bring new energy to the space. His concept for SPECTRA reflects the vibrant diversity of San Francisco, incorporating movement and color in a way that resonates with the city’s artistic and cultural landscape.
A Celebration of Light and Community
SPECTRA will make its public debut on April 5, 2025 at 8:10 p.m. as part of Night of Ideas, a citywide festival of art, culture, and innovation co-hosted by the San Francisco Public Library, the Asian Art Museum, Villa Albertine, and KQED. The official Grand Lighting Celebration, hosted by Illuminate, will follow at a later date.
According to Phil Ginsburg, General Manager of Rec and Park, the installation will take public art in the Civic Center to a new level:
“SPECTRA transforms the plaza into a breathtaking fusion of light, sound, and movement—an experience that reflects the creativity and innovation that define our city. We’re thrilled to partner with Illuminate, the Civic Center Community Benefit District, and the Public Library to make public art an everyday part of life.”
Visitors can enjoy SPECTRA seven days a week, with specific viewing hours yet to be determined. The installation also complements existing public art, such as the koi fish murals by artist Jeremy Novy, which circle Fulton Plaza below.
Illuminate’s Legacy in San Francisco
Illuminate has a history of creating large-scale, transformative public art. The nonprofit’s past projects include The Bay Lights on the Bay Bridge, Photosynthesis on the Conservatory of Flowers, and Hope Will Never Be Silent in the Castro. The organization continues to push the boundaries of public art, with an ongoing mission to inspire awe and community connection through its work.
With SPECTRA, Illuminate is not just lighting up a city block—it’s illuminating the spirit of San Francisco itself. Don’t miss this chance to witness a new era of public art in the Civic Center.
For more details, visit Illuminate.org.
