San Francisco, California / Public art
La Chiffonniere
A towering, stainless steel sculpture by French artist Jean Dubuffet, this abstract piece known as "Rag Woman" stands as a modernist focal point within the historic Embarcadero Plaza.
What is La Chiffonniere?
La Chiffonnière ("Rag Woman") is a stainless steel sculpture by French artist Jean Dubuffet. It is installed in Embarcadero Plaza within San Francisco's Financial District.
How big is the sculpture?
The artwork is approximately 22 feet tall and weighs about 4,500 pounds.
When was La Chiffonniere created?
The sculpture was conceived in 1972 and completed in 1978.
Where is it located?
It is installed in Embarcadero Plaza, which is part of the Embarcadero Center in downtown San Francisco on the waterfront.
Who owns the sculpture?
La Chiffonnière is part of the privately-owned Embarcadero Center art collection.
What should I check before going?
Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.
What to know
La Chiffonnière, which translates to "Rag Woman," is a striking stainless steel sculpture created by the French artist Jean Dubuffet. This massive artwork was conceived in 1972 and reached completion in 1978, eventually finding its permanent home in San Francisco's Financial District. The piece is a significant part of the privately owned Embarcadero Center art collection, adding a layer of avant-garde expression to the city's waterfront. The sculpture possesses an imposing physical presence, standing approximately 22 feet tall and weighing about 4,500 pounds. Its industrial material and abstract form contrast with the surrounding urban landscape. Before arriving in California, the work had a brief stint in New York City, where it was displayed in Manhattan's Doris C. Freedman Plaza from March 20 to December 12, 1979. Located within Embarcadero Plaza, the sculpture is integrated into a larger modernist environment. The surrounding Embarcadero Center complex, designed by architect John C. Portman Jr., consists of four towers that house offices, hotels, and dining. This setting transforms the plaza into a central gathering place where public art meets the functional bustle of downtown San Francisco.
Visitor tips
- The sculpture is located in an open plaza, making it an ideal spot for photography from multiple angles.
- Since it is part of the Embarcadero Center, you can visit nearby shops and cafes, which are generally open daily from 11am to 7pm.
- The area is highly accessible; consider arriving via BART, Muni, or the ferry for a scenic approach.
Nearby context
La Chiffonnière is situated in Embarcadero Plaza, a historic waterfront landmark. It is located within the broader Embarcadero Center complex and is a short walk from the Ferry Building Marketplace and the Port of San Francisco Embarcadero Historic District.
Sources
Evidence and links
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Dining at Embarcadero Center
Discover our restaurants and cafés.
embarcaderocenter.com -
Embarcadero Center official site
Embarcadero Center is one of the most recognized landmarks in downtown San Francisco, with distinctive architecture, public art, shopping,…
embarcaderocenter.com -
Events at Embarcadero Center
The Embarcadero Center is home to more than 125 shops, restaurants and services.
embarcaderocenter.com -
Over 50 years of celebrated history - Embarcadero Plaza
La Chiffonnière (“Rag Woman”) is installed in Embarcadero Plaza.
embarcaderoplaza.com -
Visit Embarcadero Center
Open Daily 11am–7pm
embarcaderocenter.com -
La Chiffonnière - Wikipedia
La Chiffonnière ("Rag Woman") is a stainless steel sculpture by French artist Jean Dubuffet, installed in Embarcadero Plaza, in San Francis…
en.wikipedia.org