150th Anniversary of Golden Gate Park

Welcome to our Golden Gate Park 150th Anniversary: A Photographic Collection. This special project changed gears rather quickly in light of the current global pandemic; as curator, I understood the need to transform the project from the planned classic gallery setting to a “virtual gallery experience.” Since it was imperative to do our part with social distancing, and knowing that the show must go on, we developed this online gallery for our community to enjoy.

The call for art was to capture unique sources of inspiration within this beautiful haven – a favorite spot, place, time of day, motif – that spoke to each photographer on a very personal level. As a result, the images created in this incredible collection give us a diverse visual tour from this fount of inspiration, Golden Gate Park. I think you will find these images both inspiring and calming, offering a critically needed restorative balm for our senses. We applaud the many photographers who contributed to this exhibit with their many beautiful and arresting images.

April 4, 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the establishment of Golden Gate Park. The City of San Francisco owes an endless debt of gratitude to John McLaren and William Hammond Hall, who had the foresight to create this haven for all of us to enjoy. Little did our city forefathers know how important this park would become for all of us as a community. I trust you will view each of these photographs as distinct visual excursions of this grand open space, providing inspiration, restorative calm, a calling to each of us to visit the park and welcome the serenity and beauty which awaits us.

Dave Christensen, Curator
Director, Harvey Milk Photo Center
March 28, 2020
San Francisco, CA

Cover Photo: Mitsu Yoshikawa


Please click an artist name to view selected photos.

… Stay tuned, as more artists and imagery will be added to gallery as we expand the virtual exhibit.