San Francisco, California Wyland Whaling Wall 61

History of the San Francisco, CA Wyland Whaling Wall 61

-Grays off the San Francisco Coast

Whaling wall 61

Although it was removed to make way for development, Wyland’s mural of “Grays off the San Francisco Coast” lovingly depicted a pod of gray whales traveling just off the California coastline. With its iconic location at the Pier 39 Aquarium, the mural brought to light a deep connection between San Francisco and the Pacific Ocean, a relationship strengthened by maritime industry and tourism. In conjunction with the other murals in this area, Wyland sought to draw attention to conservation during a time in which the city found itself struggling with pollution around its many shipping ports.

Despite the economic benefits, water pollution in the Bay Area and strict environmental regulations plagued San Francisco’s role as a shipping and fishing hub. Wyland’s mural, and the Wyland Foundation, sought to connect urban residents with the natural world around them. If visitors gave attention to their impact on the oceans and marine animals, like the gray whales, the mitigation of pollution could be possible inour lifetime.

Did You Know?

Gray whales migrate over 10,000 miles round-trip. As a part of the Pacific Flyway, San Francisco Bay also serves as a migration route for millions of birds. This goes to show, the city is an important aspect of a much larger global ecological network. While this mural no longer graces Pier 39 Aquarium, the Wyland Foundation carries on Wyland’s intention, which is to deepen the public’s connection on understanding that our upstream activities, especially along coast cities much like San Francisco, have effects on downstream marine ecosystems in ways we cannot begin to imagine.

Pier 39-Aquarium
Beach & Embarcadero, Streets
San Francisco, California
68 Feet Long x 20 Feet High
Dedicated September 5th, 1994
By Mayor Frank Jordon

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