THE WAVE ORGAN

Location: San Francisco, CA
​Accessibility: Easy
​Created: 1986

Were you ever told to hold a shell up to your ear to hear the ocean? Regardless of the science, shells, and stipulations: the sound of the ocean waves are pleasurable to all.

In the 1980’s, artist Peter Richards conceptualized a way to use the ocean waves into a musical instrument. Richards collaborated with stone mason, George Gonzalez and the Wave Organ was born.  Built on a jetty in the Marina District of San Francisco, the Wave organ amplifies the sounds of the waves from the bay.  The Wave Organ was constructed of over 20 PVC pipes that extend from the ocean to the jetty. Music is created by the impact of waves against the pipe ends and movement of the water in and out of the pipes. The design of the wave organ amplifies sound at high tide.

Also, check out this 360º view of The Wave Organ!

Aside from sound, the wave organ also strikes one’s visual sensors. Aside from being surrounded by deep blue water, the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, the Wave Organ permits lots of places to climb, sit and enjoy.  Join us as we dive into the brilliant construction and unique sounds of San Francisco’s most famous instrument, The Wave Organ!