The Bay Bridge lights are coming back. Here’s when

Alex Baker
·2 min read

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — More than a year after they went dark, San Francisco’s Bay Bridge lights are set to make their return. Illuminate, the arts nonprofit behind the iconic lights, confirmed to KRON4 on Thursday morning that the installation of the second version of the renowned 1.8-mile public artwork is officially underway.

A crowdfunding campaign was launched prior to the lights going dark in March of 2023. The price tag for bringing back the lights was set at $11 million.

With $10 million secured through philanthropic donations, Illuminate said it has now raised more than half of the final $1 million needed to bring the lights back. The artwork, which is officially named “The Bay Lights” will return early in the spring of 2025, according to Illuminate.

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“The Bay Lights have created magic in our city, and it is fantastic news that this project will have renewed life spanning our beautiful bay,” said San Francisco Mayor London Breed. “This city is experiencing a resurgence of joy, and organizations like illuminate and projects like The Bay Lights are helping to enliven our city and inspire our residents and visitors.”

“We salute the Bay Area philanthropists — big and small — who joined in this important effort,” said Illuminate CEO and Chief Visionary Officer Ben David. “There’s been a hole in San Francisco since we turned the lights off last March. We are thrilled to announce their return.”

Illuminate said the money to bring back the lights came from private philanthropy in the form of gifts ranging from $1 million to one dollar. No city funding or corporate sponsorship was accepted, the nonprofit said.

When the lights return, they will feature around 50,000 LEDs, twice the original number. This will make the display visible from both sides of the bridge, bringing The Bay Lights to communities around the Bay, including Treasure Island, Yerba Buena Island, Oakland, Berkeley, and Emeryville.

Illuminate said it is also working with bridge officials to ensure the lights are safely visible to drivers on the bridge, illuminating their path as they enter SF.

The Bay Lights will be relaunched with a “significant grand lighting ceremony” next spring, Illuminate said.

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