All places on the map· San Francisco
The Wave Organ
Sight4.1 · 1 7153.5 · 120≈ 45 minFree entry3.7 km from the center
The Wave Organ is an acoustic wave-activated sculpture on a jetty in San Francisco Bay, built in 1986 by Peter Richards and George Gonzales for the Exploratorium. Crafted from 25 pipes and reclaimed marble and granite from a dismantled cemetery, it turns the motion of incoming tides into resonant gurgles and harmonic hums. The acoustic effect is strongest at high tide, accompanied by panoramas of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Highlights
- Acoustic sculpture powered by the movement of ocean waves
- Seating carved from reclaimed cemetery granite and marble
- Scenic panoramas of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge
- Best visited during high tide for maximum sound
What’s nearby
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Cartoon Art Museum features a variety of exhibits on cartoon art.
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San Francisco Maritime Visitor Center offers resources about maritime history.
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