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San Francisco, California / Public art

Sun Yat-sen statue at Saint Mary's Square

A striking stainless steel and red granite monument to Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the Father of the Chinese Republic, standing in the peaceful enclave of Saint Mary's Square in Chinatown.

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Sun Yat-sen statue at Saint Mary's Square
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What is the Sun Yat-sen statue at Saint Mary's Square known for?

The statue commemorates Dr. Sun Yat-sen, who is revered as the Father of Modern China, the first president of the Chinese Republic, and the founder of the Kuo Min Tang.

Where is the statue located?

It is located in St. Mary's Square in San Francisco's Chinatown, specifically at 651 California St., San Francisco, CA 94108.

Who created the statue and what is it made of?

The statue was sculpted by Beniamino Bufano and is made of red granite and stainless steel.

How tall is the statue?

Sources vary on the height, describing it as either 12 feet or 14 feet tall.

What are the visiting hours?

The statue is located in St. Mary's Square, which is closed daily from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

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 Sun Yat-sen statue is a prominent public art piece located in Saint Mary's Square, situated at 651 California Street in San Francisco's Chinatown. Sculpted by Beniamino Bufano, the monument is crafted from shiny stainless steel and red granite. While some sources describe it as 12 feet tall, others record its height as 14 feet, reflecting its imposing presence in the park. Commissioned in 1938 by Chinatown business leaders, the statue commemorates the visit of Dr. Sun Yat-sen to the city. The inscription on the monument identifies him as the Father of the Chinese Republic, the first president, and the founder of the Kuo Min Tang. He is further described as a champion of democracy, a lover of mankind, and a proponent of international friendship and peace based on equality and justice. Beyond the central monument, the square serves as a broader historical site. The park formerly housed the Kong Chow Temple, adding to the layers of cultural significance. In 2017, a Comfort Women memorial by sculptor Steven Whyte was added to the square's extension, creating the only statue in San Francisco that honors the courage of women who spoke out against sexual slavery. Visitors can find the statue positioned on the center west side of the park, directly across California Street from Old St. Mary's Cathedral. The surrounding environment is a quiet corner of the city, providing a reflective space for those exploring the vibrant streets of Chinatown.

Visitor tips

  • The park is closed daily from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., so plan your visit during daylight hours.
  • Walk across California Street to visit Old St. Mary's Cathedral, which is directly opposite the square.
  • Allow time to walk to the extension of the square to find the Comfort Women memorial by Steven Whyte.

Nearby context

Located in the heart of Chinatown, the statue is surrounded by the intersection of Quincy, Pine, California, and Kearny Streets. It sits as a peaceful counterpoint to the bustling commercial districts nearby and is positioned directly across from Old St. Mary's Cathedral.

Sources

Evidence and links