San Francisco’s mosaic staircases turn forgotten places into colorful art.
“The California city is the hilliest in the U.S., with more than 600 public stairways, some of which are decorated with beautiful mosaic“
The following written content by Sharon McDonnell
With 43 major hills and steep streets—some set at nearly a 45-degree angle—San Francisco, California, is the hilliest city in the U.S. As a result, the city also has more than 600 public stairways, some of which are decorated with beautiful mosaics. But unless you’re one of the many runners and walkers that have made these tiled steps part of their daily exercise routine, you likely won’t stumble across them by chance. The masterpieces are mostly tucked away in residential neighborhoods, not near tourist landmarks.
“[The staircases are] an easier way to navigate the hills,” says Howard Pickett, chief marketing officer of the San Francisco Travel Association. “They’re filled with surprises, and a wonderful way to experience our city’s unique charms.”
Finding these mosaic staircases is a journey of discovery that will take you past houses painted in soft pastels and the palm trees, succulents, and bougainvillea that flourish in the city’s Mediterranean climate. Those who reach the top are often rewarded with a jaw-dropping view of the bay or Pacific Ocean as a bonus.
A collaborative effort
The most renowned of the staircases is the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps, a kaleidoscope of sea, land, and sky in brilliant colors. Located in the Golden Gate Heights neighborhood, swirls of ocean sprinkled with sea creatures and seashells spill over the start of the stairway at 16th Avenue and Moraga Street. Local flowers and hummingbirds, dragonflies, and bumblebees appear in the design, followed by a night sky spangled by the moon and stars. A sunburst crowns the very top.
The staircase was inspired by a mosaic stairway in Rio de Janeiro’s Santa Teresa district. A neighbor, Jessie Audette, once lived there and raised funds to transform the plain concrete stairs by her new home. Created by artists Colette Crutcher and Aileen Barr, the 163-step stairway comprises more than 75,000 tile, stained glass, and mirror pieces. Neighbors asked six artists to submit design proposals, and asked the duo—who had never met—to collaborate, since their ideas shared common elements. Read more from Roadtrippers Magazine.
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