San Francisco Community Art
16th Avenue Tiled Steps: A Mosaic Ascent in the Sunset District
San Francisco, California, United States
By the Wicked Cool Places editors · Published · Updated
Why it’s cool
This 163-step masterpiece transforms a standard neighborhood incline into a shimmering mosaic river that flows from the sea to the sun, doubling as a vital ecological corridor for rare local butterflies.
Hidden within the fog-brushed residential streets of San Francisco’s Sunset District, a mundane concrete thoroughfare has been reborn as a sprawling, vertical canvas. The th Avenue Tiled Steps consist of individual risers, each meticulously adorned with vibrant mosaics that tell a story of the natural world.
While the surrounding neighborhood is famously quiet, this specific hillside has become a pilgrimage site for those seeking a blend of public art and panoramic vistas.
Why It Stands Out
The project is a testament to community spirit and artistic vision, spearheaded by artists Aileen Barr and Collette Crutcher. A similar spirit of artistic transformation can be found at the Mosaic Tile House.
Inspired by the world-famous Selarón staircase in Rio de Janeiro, the duo worked with neighborhood volunteers between and to install thousands of donated tiles. The design follows a cohesive narrative arc: as you ascend, the imagery transitions from the depths of the ocean at "sea level" to the celestial heights of the sun at the summit.
The Garden of Oz also features intricate tilework in a hillside setting. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the staircase serves a critical environmental purpose.
The surrounding gardens are meticulously planted with succulents and native flora designed to support the Green Hairstreak butterfly. This site is a key link in the Green Hairstreak Corridor, an urban conservation effort to provide habitat for this iridescent local species.
At the very top, visitors are treated to more than just a view; the peak features a unique biozone containing some of the city's last remaining Franciscan formation rock outcroppings. Another notable outdoor installation in the city is the 'Wood Line'.
Before You Go
The staircase is located at th Avenue and Moraga Street. It is a steep climb, but the reward at the top is one of the most expansive views of the city and the Pacific Ocean.
Because this is a quiet residential area, visitors should be mindful of noise levels and local parking. The gardens are maintained by volunteers, so staying on the designated paths is essential to protect the delicate butterfly habitat.
Questions worth answering
What's the best way to handle the climb?
You'll be tackling 163 steps to reach the summit. It's a vertical trek from Moraga Street that trades a bit of effort for a clear look at the Pacific.
Is there anything to see besides the tilework?
The greenery here isn't just for show. These gardens act as a habitat for Green Hairstreak butterflies and protect rare Franciscan formation rock at the peak.
Where did the idea for this mosaic come from?
Artists Aileen Barr and Collette Crutcher led the project, taking cues from the Selarón staircase in Rio. We used a Secret Tiled Staircase report as our own editorial from there.
What should we keep in mind while visiting?
This is a residential block in the Sunset District, so keep your voice down. Stick to the paths to avoid trampling the succulents that support the local insect population.
More in West Coast
All West Coast places →
Mescaline Grove
San Francisco, California
This lush pocket of Golden Gate Park transports visitors to a prehistoric era with its towering exotic ferns. Its trippy 1960s nickname reflects the otherworldly atmosphere found along its damp, shaded pathways.
Garden of Fragrance
San Francisco, California
This specialized botanical enclave prioritizes olfactory and tactile experiences, utilizing medieval monastery ruins to house a fragrant collection of herbs and blossoms.
The Tonga Room
San Francisco, California
This legendary spot brings an unexpected touch of tropical luxury to the sophisticated heights of San Francisco's Nob Hill district.