The street art in San Francisco dates back to the 1800s and has played an important part in the city’s art scene, culture and political activism
Nestled amidst the eclectic neighbourhoods and bustling streets of San Francisco lies a treasure trove of vibrant murals, thought-provoking graffiti and captivating street art installations that continue to enthral visitors from far and wide.
In a press statement, San Francisco Travel, the city’s official destination marketing organisation, cites that street art in San Francisco dates back to the 1800s and has played an important part in the city’s art scene, culture and political activism.
From the colourful alleys of the Mission District to the iconic walls of Balmy Alley, San Francisco’s diverse neighbourhoods serve as an ever-evolving canvas for local and international artists alike.
Top picks for murals in San Francisco include:
Juanita More! Murals
Juanita More! immortalised by J. Manuel Carmona at 18th Street at Sanchez
Drag queen, party impresario, activist and philanthropist Juanita More! is one of San Francisco’s most beloved residents, so much so that she has been celebrated with over half a dozen different street murals throughout the city. Juanita More!’s murals can be found in neighbourhoods including in SoMa, the Castro, Polk Gulch, Steiner Street at Grove and also outside the revived Love Shack by Sparc at 502 14th Street in the mission.
Lower Polk Street and Polk Gulch
Mural by Serge Gay Jnr at Polk Street and Larkin Street
The Polk Gulch neighbourhood is known for its vibrant tapestry of street art and testifies to the city’s rich cultural history. Once hailed as San Francisco’s ‘first LGBTQIA+ neighbourhood’ with a thriving scene from the 1950s to the late 1970s, before the Castro neighbourhood claimed the spotlight. Among the latest additions to its artistic landscape is a captivating piece by Serge Gay Junior, located on the corner of Post Street and Larkin Street.
Amos Goldbaum Mural at Bernal Heights Street Garden
The mural showcases stencil-like depictions of the city’s iconic landscape
Renowned San Francisco artist, Amos Goldbaum, has recently decorated the public garden walkway in Bernal Heights with one of his iconic murals. Titled City in a Garden, Goldbaum’s masterpiece spans 13 panels and was crafted in just over a month. The mural showcases stencil-like depictions of the city’s iconic landscape, adding a touch of vibrant creativity to the neighbourhood’s scenery.
Balmy Alley
The Mission Cultural Centre for Latino Arts is just a few blocks away
Murals first appeared along Balmy Alley in the mid-1980s as a poignant expression of outrage over human rights violations and political corruption in Central America. Today, the themes depicted have evolved to include broader societal issues such as gentrification and government injustice.
The Mission Cultural Centre for Latino Arts is just a few blocks away for those seeking additional arts and culture when visiting San Francisco. Alongside its impressive collection of exhibits, it offers several theatre, music and dance workshops.
