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San Francisco, California / Public art

Letterman Digital Arts Center (Yoda Fountain)

A must-visit for Star Wars fans, this bronze statue of the Jedi Master Yoda sits atop a fountain outside the Lucasfilm headquarters in the historic Presidio.

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Letterman Digital Arts Center (Yoda Fountain)
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What is the Letterman Digital Arts Center (Yoda Fountain) known for?

It is a 23-acre campus in the Presidio National Park that houses Lucasfilm Ltd. and Industrial Light & Magic. It is well-known for the Yoda Fountain, a 32-inch-high bronze statue of the Star Wars character located in front of the Industrial Light & Magic offices.

How much does it cost to visit?

Visiting the Yoda Fountain is free for all guests.

What are the hours?

The Yoda Fountain grounds are accessible on weekdays only, from 8 AM to 5 PM.

Where is it located?

The Yoda Fountain is located at 1 Letterman Drive, San Francisco, CA 94129, within the Lucasfilm Lobby area of the Letterman Digital Arts Center in the Presidio.

Is it worth visiting?

For Star Wars fans, it is recommended as a fun 15-minute stop near the Palace of Fine Arts. The bronze statue is a popular spot for selfies and is lit up at night.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Yoda Fountain is a bronze statue of the iconic Star Wars character installed in front of the Industrial Light & Magic offices. Located at 1 Letterman Drive, this full-size replica was unveiled in 2005 and has since become a popular meetup location for fans. The 32-inch-high figure is perched outside Building B of the campus, where it is lit up at night for visitors to admire. The fountain is part of the Letterman Digital Arts Center, a 23-acre campus situated within the Presidio National Park. This site was established in 1997 to replace the vacated Letterman Army Medical Center. Construction on the current digital arts center began in November 2002 and reached completion in July 2005. Beyond the statue, the campus serves as the home of Lucasfilm Ltd., bringing together the creative units of Industrial Light & Magic and the broader business of the studio. The surrounding grounds offer a blend of modern cinematic innovation and the historic military atmosphere of the Presidio.

Visitor tips

  • Plan your visit between 8 AM and 5 PM on weekdays, as the grounds are only accessible during these hours.
  • Admission to the Yoda Fountain is free for all guests.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes to explore the surrounding 23-acre Presidio campus.

Nearby context

The fountain is located in the Presidio National Park, and is situated near the Palace of Fine Arts, making it an easy addition to a sightseeing loop of San Francisco's northern landmarks.

Sources

Evidence and links