The project was inspired by the Selarón staircase in Rio de Janeiro.
Over 300 neighbors and community members contributed to the creation and installation of the individual tiles.
The mosaic incorporates 'kites'—larger, specialized tiles—that are shaped like fish, birds, and other creatures.
Ceramic shards and stained glass were used alongside hand-molded clay tiles to create the textural depth.
The staircase remains functional as a public walkway for residents of the Golden Gate Heights neighborhood.
The steps are part of a larger network of tiled stairways in San Francisco, though it is the most famous example of the 'Tiled Steps' project.
The 16th Avenue Tiled Steps consist of 163 mosaic-covered steps climbing from Moraga Street to the summit of Grandview Park. The design features a continuous artistic narrative transitioning from an underwater sea scene at the base to a sun-filled celestial sky at the peak. Created as a community-led neighborhood beautification project, the steps were unveiled in 2005. Local artists Aileen Barr and Colette Crutcher led the design, incorporating over 2,000 handmade tiles. The mosaic includes hidden animals, fish, and insects embedded within the sea-to-stars imagery. The staircase is located in the Inner Sunset neighborhood and serves as a public pedestrian thoroughfare. It is maintained by a local volunteer group dedicated to the preservation of the mosaic artwork. The summit offers a panoramic perspective of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Pacific Ocean.
From the very base of the stairs, looking upward to capture the full length of the sea-to-stars progression.
Continue walking to the very top of the stairs and follow the trail to the peak of Grandview Park for superior views.
Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip, as the stairs are steep and can be slippery if morning fog is heavy.
Visit on a weekday morning to avoid weekend crowds and achieve better lighting for photography.
Do not attempt to park directly at the base, as street parking is extremely limited; avoid visiting during peak fog hours when views are obscured.
Respect the residential neighborhood by maintaining a quiet volume; do not sit on or block the steps for long periods.
