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San Francisco, California / Public art

R-Evolution

A towering 45-foot-tall sculpture by Marco Cochrane, R-Evolution is a breathtaking monument to feminine strength and liberation, featuring daily breathing simulations and nightly light displays in Embarcadero Plaza.

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What is R-Evolution?

R-Evolution is a 45- to 47-foot-tall sculpture by artist Marco Cochrane. It is described as a symbol of feminine strength, liberation, empowerment, unity, and personal autonomy.

Where is it located?

The sculpture is on display at Embarcadero Plaza in San Francisco, near the intersection of Market and Steuart Streets.

What are the hours for visiting?

Embarcadero Plaza is open 24/7, 365 days a year. However, the sculpture has specific daily events: breathing occurs from 5–6 p.m., and lighting takes place nightly from sunset to 11 p.m. and again at sunrise.

What is it known for?

It is known as a monument to strength, presence, and representation in public spaces. It is a feat of engineering made from steel rod and tubing with over 55,000 welds, and it features subtle chest movements that simulate breathing for one hour each day.

What is the history of the sculpture?

Originally created for Burning Man in 2015, R-Evolution is the third and final piece in Marco Cochrane's Bliss Project series. Before arriving in San Francisco, it was displayed in Miami Beach in 2024.

What should I check before going?

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

What to know

R-Evolution is a monumental public art installation by artist Marco Cochrane, standing approximately 45 to 47 feet tall. This massive structure is the third and final piece in Cochrane's Bliss Project series. It is a feat of engineering, constructed from steel rod and tubing secured by over 55,000 welds and finished with a stainless-steel mesh covering. Originally debuting at Burning Man in 2015, the sculpture has traveled extensively before arriving at Embarcadero Plaza in San Francisco on April 10, 2025. Prior to its current San Francisco residency, the work was on display in Miami Beach during 2024. The piece serves as a powerful symbol of empowerment, unity, personal autonomy, and feminine liberation. What sets this sculpture apart is that it is not a static object. Every day from 5 to 6 p.m., the sculpture performs a breathing event where subtle movements in the chest simulate a living breath. Additionally, the work is illuminated nightly from sunset until 11 p.m., with another lighting event occurring at sunrise. The installation is located near the intersection of Market and Steuart Streets. Its presence in the plaza is a collaboration between the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department, Building 180, and The Sijbrandij Foundation, aiming to celebrate the creative spirit of the city.

Visitor tips

  • Visit between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. to witness the sculpture's daily breathing movements.
  • Return after sunset to see the nightly lighting display, which runs until 11 p.m.
  • The plaza is open 24/7, making this an ideal stop for early morning sunrise lighting views.

Nearby context

R-Evolution is situated within Embarcadero Plaza, a hub for temporary public art installations located near the bustling intersection of Market and Steuart Streets in San Francisco.

Sources

Evidence and links