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

Thanks to Mission Local for sharing the news that San Francisco is set to debut a brand new night market in the Mission District on May 8, 2025. A three-block stretch of Valencia Street, between 16th and 19th streets, will be closed to vehicle traffic from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. for Valencia LIVE! The market will take place on the second Thursday of each month through October, with the aim of continuing for at least two years if successful.

The night market will feature performances from local artists on stages set up by Mission businesses and community groups. One stage, hosted by Blondie’s, a local cocktail bar, will feature live music. Another stage will highlight the neighborhood’s Carnaval traditions, and a parking lot will host a market for indigenous artisans. Local restaurants will set up tents with additional seating to serve food to visitors, while vendors will offer a variety of goods and activities.

On Valencia Street between 16th and 19th Streets—in the American Indian Cultural District—the second Thursday of every month from May to December of 2025 from 5-10pm.

Explore happenings, happy hours, and deals at local businesses
Savor local food and delicious drinks
Shop with amazing brick and mortars and pop-up market hosted by the American Indian Cultural District and American Indian Cultural Center
Dance to live music in the streets curated by Carnaval SF, Blondie’s and The Chapel
Make art, play games, and hang out!
The market is part of an effort to support the neighborhood and bring more visitors to the area. Valencia Street has faced challenges with declining foot traffic, and organizers hope the event will help bring more people to the street. The market will be funded by donations to the Civic Joy Fund, which has previously supported night markets in other parts of the city, including Chinatown, the Richmond, and the Sunset.

In addition to the market, the event will also contribute to the city’s expanding network of “entertainment zones.” The Valencia Night Market will be one of five designated zones in San Francisco, made possible by a state law from Senator Scott Wiener that took effect last year. The law allows businesses with a music venue license to apply for entertainment zone status, which permits them to serve alcoholic beverages to pedestrians within certain hours.

The event is being organized by the Civic Joy Fund,