Les Lalanne at Transamerica Pyramid Center
September 12–January 28, 2025
Outdoor Sculpture Garden
Curated by Lord Norman Foster, Kasmin, SHVO
Image: François-Xavier Lalanne. Grand Carpe d’Or, 1996. Transamerica Pyramid Center, San Francisco.
Transamerica Pyramid Center
600 Montgomery Street
San Francisco, CA 9411
+1-415-750-3600
Trasamerica Pyramid Center Website
Trasamerica Pyramid Center Instagram
Transamerica Redwood Park Hours
Open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Overview
Les Lalanne at Transamerica Pyramid Center curated by Lord Norman Foster and co-organized by Kasmin and SHVO, is by far the best public art exhibition San Francisco has seen in many years.
The sculpture garden, featuring works by a selection of artists, celebrates the newly renovated landmark and is a centerpiece of the Transamerica Pyramid’s new public arts initiative, Pyramid Arts. This program also includes The Vertical City and Pyramid Dreams exhibitions on the first floor.
“Reimagining the magical world of the artists’ studio and garden near the Fontainebleau forest in France, Les Lalanne at Transamerica Pyramid Center will feature over 20 major works spanning four decades installed among the distinctive architectural elements of the park’s urban oasis.
Drawing their distinctive imagery from flora and fauna, Les Lalanne’s sculptures create an extraordinary universe that emphasizes the importance of the natural world, transforming earthly references into imaginative creations that meld the elegance of art nouveau metalwork with ambitious sculptural inventions drawn from the realm of mythology.”
Preview of Les Lalanne at Transamerica Pyramid Center, San Francisco.
I’ve always loved Lalanne sheep and most recently was able to see them at the Weisman Art Foundation (another post for another day—sigh).
My favorite sculpture in the garden is “François-Xavier’s Lapin à Vent de Tourtour, an inventive creature with a rabbit’s head that rotates with the pressure of the wind, a bird’s wings, a fish’s tail, and four hoofed legs.”
But my heart was stolen by the Lalanne sphinxes and Capricorn sculptures nestled in the lobby.
🗓 Les Lalanne runs until January 28, 2025, at Transamerica Redwood Park, located outside of the Transamerica Pyramid Center, which is also exhibiting The Vertical City and Pyramid Dreams in its galleries.
💌 Did you see the exhibition? What did you think? Let us know in the comments (in the Reviews section located on the second tab at the top of the page).
QUICK GUIDE: Transamerica Pyramid Center
⭐ LOCATION: The Transamerica Redwood Park is part of the Transamerica Pyramid Center located at 600 Montgomery Street between Clay and Washington streets (8 min walk from Montgomery Street Station) in San Francisco’s Financial district, bordering Chinatown and Jackson Square.
⭐ HOURS: Open daily from sunrise to sunset.
⭐ ON-SITE DINING (All are located inside the Transamerica Pyramid Complex near the side of the garden at 3 Transamerica on 545 Sansome Street):
- Café Sebastian [Miami restaurateur Brad Kilgore’s farm-to-table bistro—currently open Mon–Fri, 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., and Sat–Sun, 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.—will be adding dinner service soon.]
- MadLab Kakigori [Kilgore’s GLORIOUS gelato + shaved iced desserts in Café Sebastian.]
- Ama [Kilgore’s Japanese-Italian fusion hi-fi lounge is slated to open in March 2025.]
⭐ NEARBY PARKING:
- Impark Garage [CLOSED WEEKENDS] at 475 Sansome (2 min walk/3 min drive)
- Impark Garage [CLOSED WEEKENDS] at 601 Montgomery Street (2 min/1 drive walk)
- Park ABM Garage [CLOSED WEEKENDS] at 655 Montgomery Street (2 min walk/drive)
- California Parking Lot [OPEN 24/7] at 768 Sansome Street (4 min walk/2 min drive)
⭐ PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: Closest Stations are Chinatown-Rose Pak Station [MUNI] (7 min walk) and Montgomery Street Station [BART/MUNI] (11 min walk).
⭐ NEARBY ART:
⭐ NEARBY ART:
- Rebecca Camacho Presents (Jackson Square) [Terrific contemporary art gallery located in Jackson Square. Upcoming shows: Claire Oswalt: Moon Math and Julia Haft-Candell: Hold on view from Jan 9-Feb 22, 2025.] (1 min walk/1 min drive)
- Gallery Japonesque (Jackson Square) [Exquisite Japanese art, antiques, and furnishings.] (3 min walk/1 min drive)
- Gallery Wendi Norris (Jackson Square) [Innovative contemporary and modern art with an exceptional roster of artists. Don’t miss Leonora Carrington: Mythopoesis, opens Jan 21-March 15, 2025.] (5 min walk/2 min drive)
- Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco (Chinatown) [Org with nearly 60 years of history dedicated to Chinese culture and heritage, featuring a FANTASTIC art gallery located on the 3rd floor of the SF Chinatown Hilton.] (5 min walk/3 min drive)
- Edge on the Square (Chinatown) [Contemporary art gallery focused on culture and community. Currently on view is Walking Stories, which closes Feb 28, 2025.] (6 min walk/5 min drive)
- Micki Meng Chinatown (Chinatown) [Contemporary art arbiter Micki Meng’s Chinatown gallery with additional locations in SF’s Dogpatch, Chelsea and Paris. Upcoming show: John Duff on view Jan 16–March 8, 2025] (6 min walk/2 min drive)
- Jessica Silverman (Chinatown) [SF Gallery representing a PHENOMENAL selection of emerging and mid-career artists. Don’t miss upcoming shows: Davina Semo: A Serious Celebration and Julie Buffalohead: The Wisdom of Wild Things on view from Jan 9-Feb 22, 2025.] (9 min walk/3 min drive)
- Chinese Historical Society of America (Chinatown) [The museum (housed in the Julia Morgan designed YWCA BUILDING) is the oldest and largest archive and research center on Chinese American history in the U.S. Current exhibitions include: We Are Bruce Lee: Under the Sky, One Family; The Underground: We Love Bruce Lee; Living in Chinatown: Memories in Miniature, Created by Frank Wong; and Chinese in the Richmond.] (9 min walk/4 min drive)
⭐ NEARBY DINING:
- Sam Wo Restaurant (Chinatown) [A favorite of Herb Caen, who made it famous by writing about Edsel Ford Fong, dubbing him “the world’s rudest waiter,” though he apparently wasn’t rude to my parents! Sadly, they will be closing for good on Jan 26, 2025.] (5 min walk/5 min drive)
- House of Nanking (Chinatown) [Bustling casual Cantonese menu. GREAT for small groups! It’s good enough for Keanu…] (6 min walk/3 min drive)
- Empress by Boon (Chinatown) [The former historical Empress of China restaurant, spent many-a-banquet there during my childhood, gloriously reimagined for the 21st century.] (7 min walk/3 min drive) BOOK Empress by Boon on Open Table HERE.
- Li Po Cocktail Lounge (Chinatown) [Film noir dive bar dreams wrapped in mid-century Chinoiserie.] (7 min walk/4 min drive)
- Tosca Cafe (North Beach) [*Great old-school Italian restaurant ambiance. Get their boozy cappuccino, you won’t be sorry!] (7 min walk/3 min drive) BOOK Tosca Cafe on Open Table HERE.
- Vesuvio (North Beach) [LOVE this Beat Generation gem next-door to City Lights.] (8 min walk/3 min drive)
- Good Mong Kok (Chinatown) [FAST NO FRILLS deli-style dim sum.] (10 min walk/ 5 min drive)
- Tony’s Pizza Napoletana (North Beach) [Exceptional pizza by 13-time World Pizza Champion Tony Gemignani.] (14 min walk/6 min drive)
A LOVE LETTER TO ART’S CASUAL DINING PICKS
- R & G Lounge [Classic Cantonese famous for their salt-and-pepper Dungeness crab—a SF FAVE OF ANTHONY BOURDAIN. *CHECK OUT THEIR $15–$17 LUNCH SPECIALS.] (5 min walk/2 min drive)
💖 A LOVE LETTER TO ART’S ROMANTIC DINING PICKS
- Bix (Jackson Square) [Live jazz. Classic cocktails. Gorgeous setting. MY FAVE PLACE FOR APPS AND DRINKS IN SF. *Get the potato pillows and steak tartare. LOVE THEIR FRIDAY LUNCH CLUB.] (5 min walk/3 min drive) BOOK Bix on Open Table HERE.
- Cotogna (Jackson Square) [*Get the ravioli. I once saw Joe Montana there and mistook him for Jean Paul Gaultier. LOL!] (5 min walk/3 min drive)
- Quince (Jackson Square) [Cotogna’s neighboring big sister boasts 3 Michelin stars. The ideal power lunch, IMO.] (6 min walk/2 min drive)
- Kokkari (Jackson Square) [Upscale Greek SF staple. *My FAVES are the fried smelts, lamb chops, halibut, and the kataifi (dessert).] (6 min walk/3 min drive) BOOK Kokkari on Open Table HERE.
- Mister Jiu’s (Chinatown) [CHIC modern Michelin-starred Chinese cuisine set on historic Waverly Place.] (9 min walk/5 min drive)
⭐ NEARBY SHOPPING (Upscale Retail in Jackson Square):
- Anine Bing [Anine Bing’s SF boutique for her LA-Scandinavian aesthetic.] (3 min walk/3 min drive)
- Goldwin [Goldwin’s San Francisco store, the brand’s only U.S. location, showcases impeccably crafted Japanese outdoor gear blending innovative design with exceptional functionality.] (4 min walk/3 min drive)
- Isabel Marant [San Francisco boutique of the Parisian-inspired, bohemian-chic fashion house.] (4 min walk/3 min drive)
- Lan Jaenicke [Gorgeous made-to-order cashmere line.] (4 min walk/3 min drive)
- Paul Smith [San Francisco boutique for the designer’s British tailoring of playful prints.] (4 min walk/3 min drive)
- Zimmermann [Get your fill of the Aussie house’s flounces and frills at their SF boutique.] (4 min walk/3 min drive)
- Aesop [Anytime. Anywhere. Anyplace. HUGE fan of their gender-neutral, singular fragranced luxury products.] (4 min walk/3 min drive)
💌 More nearby suggestions are always welcome. Feel free to add in the comments!
A LOVE LETTER TO ART RECOMMENDS
ON-SITE DINING
Café Sebastian | 545 Sansome St, San Francisco, CA 94111
Experience market-driven cuisine at Café Sebastian, a neighborhood bistro in San Francisco with seasonal dishes and freshly baked pastries.
Madlab Gelato & Kakigori | 545 Sansome St, San Francisco, CA 94111
MadLab is conveniently located at Three Transamerica, 545 Sansome St., San Francisco, CA 94111, adjacent to the Transamerica Pyramid. We are a sister restaurant to Café Sebastian by Chef Brad Kilgore
*Ama is Miami restaurateur Brad Kilgore’s Japanese-Italian fusion hi-fi concept lounge slated to open in March 2025.
NEARBY ART
Rebecca Camacho Presents | 526 Washington St, San Francisco, CA 94111
Rebecca Camacho Presents is a contemporary art gallery located in the Jackson Square neighborhood of San Francisco that presents emerging and mid-career artists.
Gallery Japonesque | 824 Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA 94133
Located in Jackson Square, San Francisco, Koichi Hara’s Gallery Japonesque features a Japanese aesthetic from ancient to contemporary. Includes stone artist Izumi and wood sculptor Iwashita.
ICA SF | 345 Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA 94104
The ICA San Francisco believes museums can do better. We’re a non-collecting contemporary art museum that prioritizes equity and expansion of the canon.
Chinese Culture Center Of San Francisco | 750 Kearny St 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94108
Rooted in SF Chinatown since 1965, Chinese Culture Center creates safe spaces for artistic expressions and creative engagement that build resilient, vibrant, and healthy communities. Our artistic programs are located at CCC’s Visual Art Center, 41 Ross, throughout Chinatown public spaces and beyond.
Edge on the Square | 800 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94108
Welcome to Edge on the Square, the contemporary art hub located at the heart of San Francisco Chinatown. Our year-round programming is designed to bring together creators and educators for a well-rounded cultural experience. Our space welcomes Asian American artists for our twice annual art exhibitions and our signature annual contemporary art festival, as well as music events and community gatherings that foster cultural exchange and understanding.
Micki Meng | 716 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA 94108
Micki Meng is an absurdly small vitrine gallery featuring works for sale by leading local and international contemporary artists. Our gallery borders San Francisco’s historic Chinatown and downtown Financial District.
Jessica Silverman | 621 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94108
Jessica Silverman is a contemporary art gallery that represents emerging and mid-career artists.
Chinese Historical Society of America | 965 Clay St, San Francisco, CA 94108
The Chinese Historical Society of America collects, preserves, and illuminates the history of Chinese in America by serving as a center for research, scholarship, and learning to inspire a greater appreciation for, and knowledge of, their collective experience through exhibitions, public programs, and any other means for reaching the widest audience.
NEARBY DINING
Sam Wo Restaurant | 713 Clay St, San Francisco, CA 94108
Sam Wo was founded over 100 years ago and remains as an enduring symbol of San Francisco’s Chinatown. The famous "World's Rudest Waiter" entertained guests with his "no jive" attitude, sharp wit and comedic flair.
House of Nanking | 919 Kearny St, San Francisco, CA 94133
House of Nanking was opened in 1988 by Peter Fang. Over the course of these past decades, House of Nanking has solidified itself as a veritable landmark and institution in San Francisco.
Empress by Boon | 838 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94108
Michelin-starred Chef Ho Chee Boon offers an elegant seasonal menu of modern Cantonese fare in the former Empress of China space in San Francisco’s Chinatown.
Li Po Lounge | 916 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94108
This Chinatown Dive Bar Is Famous for Its Mai Tai. That’s Why It Trademarked the Secret Recipe. The owners of legendary Chinatown dive Li Po Lounge aren’t giving up the secret recipe for the Chinese Mai Tai
Tosca Cafe | 242 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133
North Beach icon since 1919. Italian Kitchen. Legendary Bar. Renowned for our meatballs and house “cappuccino” (a boozy, Prohibition-era hot chocolate, no coffee).
Vesuvio Cafe | 255 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133
Vesuvio: This world-renowned San Francisco saloon located in North Beach just across from the infamous City Lights Bookstore, was first established in 1948 and remains an historical monument to jazz, poetry, art and the good life of the Beat Generation.
Good Mong Kok Bakery | 1039 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA 94108
Experience delectable dim sum and bakery items at Good Mong Kok Bakery in Chinatown! From Sharks Fin Dumplings to Coconut Buns, enjoy a wide variety of affordable and tasty options. Located at 1039 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA. Call +14153972688 for re
Tony’s Pizza Napoletana | 1570 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA 94133
Tony’s Pizza Napoletana, founded by 13-time World Pizza Champion Tony Gemignani, was inspired by a pizzeria in Naples, Italy. Tony’s passion for authentic Neapolitan pizza led him to master the craft & open a one-of-a-kind restaurant.
*A LOVE LETTER TO ART'S CASUAL DINING PICK | R&G Lounge | 631 Kearny St, San Francisco, CA 94108
San Francisco’c Iconic Cantonese Cuisine. Renowned San Francisco restaurant serving authentic Cantonese dishes since 1985.
*A LOVE LETTER TO ART'S ROMANTIC DINING PICK | Bix | 56 Gold St, San Francisco, CA 94133
BIX San Francisco offers modern American cuisine and the best classic cocktails served in a soaring two-story dining room to the strains of live jazz.
*A LOVE LETTER TO ART'S ROMANTIC DINING PICK | Cotogna | 490 Pacific Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133
A celebration of Italian cuisine. Located on the corner of Montgomery and Pacific Avenues in San Francisco’s historic Jackson Square, Cotogna is an Italian restaurant known for housemade pastas, spit-roasted and grilled meats, and seafood roasted in the restaurant’s wood-burning oven
*A LOVE LETTER TO ART'S ROMANTIC DINING PICK | Quince Restaurant | 470 Pacific Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133
Situated in San Francisco’s historic Jackson Square, Lindsay and Chef Michael Tusk’s celebrated Quince features Californian contemporary cuisine with Italian influences. Quince serves nightly-changing tasting menus highlighting the restaurant’s unique partnership with Fresh Run Farm where Michael and Peter Martinelli plan the plantings in the singular microclimate of Bolinas each season.
*A LOVE LETTER TO ART'S ROMANTIC DINING PICK | Kokkari Estiatorio | 200 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA 94111
Kokkari Estiatorio – a MICHELIN restaurant. Free online booking on the MICHELIN Guide’s official website. The MICHELIN inspectors’ point of view, information on prices, types of cuisine and opening hours on the MICHELIN Guide’s official website
*A LOVE LETTER TO ART'S ROMANTIC DINING PICK | Mister Jiu’s | 28 Waverly Pl, San Francisco, CA 94108
Mister Jiu’s is a contemporary Chinese American restaurant and bar located in a historic Chinatown building which previously housed the iconic Four Seas and Hang Far Low restaurants.
NEARBY SHOPPING
Anine Bing | 412 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA 94111
Wardrobe Essentials For The Modern Woman. Blending elements of Scandinavian simplicity with American energy, ANINE BING offers modern wardrobe essentials for women seeking a timeless yet rebellious approach to everyday style.
Goldwin | 444 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA 94111
Goldwin offers highly designed and functional sportswear. With it’s brand core in ski, brand pursues simple but versatile and technical clothing. Goldwin Official Global Website.
Isabel Marant | 455 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA 94111 Official Online Store |
Isabel Marant's latest collections of women’s and men’s ready-to-wear fashion, bags, shoes, and accessories.
Lan Jaenicke | 431 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA 94111
Buy select Lan Jaenicke cashmere coats, jackets and sweaters online.
Paul Smith | 463 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA 94111
Paul Smith is Britain’s foremost designer. Shop designer men’s and women’s clothing, shoes & accessories.
ZIMMERMANN | 458-460 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA 94111
Shop the official ZIMMERMANN site and discover the home of sophisticated femininity. Explore the latest ready-to-wear clothing and accessories. Online and in store.
Aesop | 445 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA 94111
Formulations for Skin, Hair & Body. Aesop offers skin, hair and body care formulations, and personal and home fragrances created with meticulous attention to detail. Browse the range online.
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Author: ALoveLettertoArt
