Evolutionary Rainbow, Bay Area Travel Guide

A vibrant Haight-Ashbury mural depicting the evolution of life through a rainbow of colors, reflecting the neighborhood's artistic spirit and history.

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Evolutionary Rainbow

The Evolutionary Rainbow is a vibrant mural in San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury district, originally painted in 1967 by Joanna Zegri. The mural depicts the evolution of life through its use of color, starting with early protozoa and progressing to modern species.

A brief summary to Evolutionary Rainbow

1705 Haight St, San Francisco, Haight-Ashbury, California, 94117, US

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Evolutionary Rainbow.

Take your time to study the mural up close and appreciate the intricate details within each color band that depict different stages of evolution.
Visit the mural during the day to fully appreciate the vibrant colors and avoid nighttime shadows.
Combine your visit with a stroll along Haight Street to experience the unique shops, vintage stores, and overall bohemian vibe of the neighborhood.

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Explore Evolutionary Rainbow on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Evolutionary Rainbow, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From the intersection of Haight and Ashbury, walk west on Haight Street towards Cole Street. The Evolutionary Rainbow mural is located on the side of a building at the corner of Haight and Cole. The walk is short and direct, allowing you to soak in the Haight-Ashbury atmosphere. No costs are associated with walking.
Public Transport

Take the N-Judah Muni Metro line and exit at the Cole Street station. Walk one block east on Haight Street to reach the mural at the corner of Haight and Cole. A single ride on Muni costs $2.50, and can be paid via the MuniMobile app or Clipper card.

Discover more about Evolutionary Rainbow

Located in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood of San Francisco, the Evolutionary Rainbow mural is a landmark piece of public art that embodies the area's free-spirited and artistic culture. Originally created in 1967 by artist Joanna (Yana) Zegri, the mural quickly became a symbol of the neighborhood.The mural's design showcases a rainbow of colors, with each color representing a stage in the evolution of life on Earth. From the darker hues depicting early protozoa to the lighter shades illustrating modern species, the Evolutionary Rainbow offers a visual representation of the history of life. Zegri has returned to restore the mural several times, including in 1981, 1983, and 2006, ensuring its continued vibrancy.The mural has faced challenges, including being painted over by a new business owner in 1982. However, community outcry and support led to Zegri being asked to repaint the mural, highlighting its importance to the neighborhood's identity. Today, the Evolutionary Rainbow continues to inspire and captivate visitors, serving as a reminder of Haight-Ashbury's rich history and artistic legacy.