Spire

What to know

Spire is a landmark public art installation in the Presidio of San Francisco, created by British artist Andy Goldsworthy in 2008. The sculpture is designed as a symbol of the forest's rebirth, reflecting the ethereal interactions between human creation and nature. It was developed in collaboration with the Presidio Trust forestry crew and presented through a partnership between the Presidio Trust and the FOR-SITE Foundation. The structure is an architectural feat of natural materials. Goldsworthy carefully stitched together the trunks of 35 large Monterey cypress trees that had been removed as part of a reforestation project at the site. This construction method creates a vertical ascent that rises 95 feet above ground, while extending 12 feet below the surface to maintain stability. Despite its organic nature, the sculpture has faced challenges. It suffered fire damage from a human-caused burning on June 23, 2020, but was subsequently repaired by the Presidio Forestry crew. To protect the installation, the site now features a cable fence, new signage, and wood benches for visitors to contemplate the work. Standing as a steeple-like structure rising out of the earth, Spire serves as a part of its surrounding environment while remaining a distinct entity of its own. It invites visitors to look upward and consider the connection between the managed forest and the artistic expression of natural growth.

Visitor tips

• The site is free and open to the public, making it a great stop for a low-cost tour.
• Look for the wood benches made by the Presidio Forestry crew to take a moment of reflection.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes as the sculpture is located within the Presidio's forested areas.

Nearby context

Located within the Presidio of San Francisco, Spire is integrated into the reforestation projects of the park, surrounded by the native Monterey cypress and eucalyptus forests that the sculpture's materials were sourced from.