Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Cupid's Span Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Cupid's Span

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Afshin A.

    A Symbol of Love in San Francisco Cupid's Span is a sculpture located in Rincon Park along the Embarcadero in San Francisco. Installed in 2002, it was created by married artists Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, who are known for their large public sculptures that turn everyday objects into interesting art. The sculpture looks like a giant bow and arrow, inspired by Cupid, the Roman god of love. The bow is 60 feet tall, and the arrow is 140 feet long. Made of steel and fiberglass, it features bright red and yellow colors that stand out against the city skyline and San Francisco Bay. I work nearby and see this sculpture often. It is a popular spot for photos among locals and tourists. Cupid's Span sits in Rincon Park, a small green area with beautiful views of the Bay Bridge. Many people enjoy spending their lunch breaks here, and it's a great place for picnics, walks, and other outdoor activities. The sculpture was part of a project to enhance the waterfront and make it more inviting for the public. I wrote a short review of Rincon Park a few years ago, but today, as I was walking by, I thought the sculpture deserves its own review! The bow and arrow represent love, as Cupid inspires affection. By placing this symbol in a park, the artists wanted to promote feelings of connection among visitors. Its location by the water also suggests that love is a journey, like the voyages of ships from the nearby port. Since opening, Cupid's Span has become a favorite spot in San Francisco. Its fun design reflects the city's unique character and attracts many people for photos and special occasions, including engagement and wedding shoots. Gap Inc. founders Donald and Doris Fisher gave it to the city. The San Francisco Arts Commission worked with the artists to ensure the sculpture fit well with the city's art collection. Because of its large size, installing the sculpture was complex and required careful planning. It arrived in pieces and was put together on-site. Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen are known for their creative work. Cupid's Span is one of their most loved sculptures. If you visit San Francisco, you should see Cupid's Span. Whether you are walking along the Embarcadero, or enjoying the views of the Bay Bridge, the sculpture will impress you.

    Phil A.

    A very unique public art sculpture located on the Embarcadero Waterfront!! It's Cupid's bow and arrow pointed into the ground, I'm just guessing it's aimed at the center of the earth!! This place is popular for sure, for tourists and locals, people really hang out here for a while. In a very scenic area, this really stands out, especially with whatever backdrop your viewing it from. I like the view with the Bay Bridge behind it the best!!

    Biko is a big flirt! Lol.
    Lisa X.

    After our little photo session around Oracle Park, my friend and I strolled past Cupid's Span. We have both passed by this large outdoor art sculpture multiple times in the past, and I walked and took photos of my little pup here previously. Definitely a landmark we both recognized being part of San Francisco. Cupid's Span is a pop art outdoor sculpture opened in November 1, 2002. "Commissioned by Gap Inc. founders Donald and Doris F. Fisher, depicts a partial bow and piece of an arrow." (Wikipedia) Artists are Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, a married couple and they have many other works displayed all over the world of larger than life everyday objects.

    Ultima M.

    Super cute area for great photo op This is a SF landmark Located near The Embarcadero on a patch of grass/hill Nice spot to chill and people watch Street parking only

    Tommy J.

    So my kids have been coming here almost since 2006. It was quite an amazing find, spending time in the city there's not a lot for children to do. My kids would have judo tournaments, we would come here to sightsee, eat and just feel good. Over the years, they've changed the parking in the streets so much. Up until two years ago, there was metered parking right in front were tons of people could park and walk along the Embarcadero. They have removed all of the parking spaces, and turned it into a 2 way bike Ln.. Now there's no way really to access it other than the pitiful few parking spots on the other side of the street. And they are almost always taken. That's about the only reason why it gets four stars, the city does not take into consideration how much the kids enjoy this and now there's no real way for the kids to get to it. Oh well

    Vic C.

    If you have driven past the Embarcadero, south of the Ferry Building, then you might have seen Cupid's Span, or his bow and arrow. Because the bow and arrow are inverted (pointing into the ground), it looks like a boat or a ship (which does work nicely with the ocean view and Bay Bridge). This beautiful sculpture (free to visit), which has been here since 2002, was created by married artists Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen. They thought it would be a unique interpretation to have the arrow inverted, as if cupid (or Eros) had shot an arrow into the earth to make it fertile. But they had initially thought of having the arrow pointing upright in earlier drafts. My husband, our little girl dog and I came by this beautiful structure on a Friday early last month around 4 pm to meet a friend and their dog. According to my friends (who live in the nearby apartments down the street), this little area (kind of like a park) is really popular with dogs and their owners. While we were there (a little over an hour), we saw numerous of visitors with dogs running around and playing with other dogs on the grass around the bow and arrow sculpture. With the parking situation, it is metered and can be a challenge to find, as it is limited. If you are good at parallel parking then you might want to park much further away and walk.

    View from Cupid's Span! beautiful colours
    Matthew L.

    Perfect place to... 1) Bring a date 2) Play Pokemon Go - lots of dratinis and magikarp here! 3) Enjoy the sunset (or sunrise) 4) View the Bay Bridge Lights 5) Take a jog or a long stroll I've been to Cupid's Span for all of the above reasons, time and time again over the past few years. Cupid's Span and the surrounding area is a hot spot among Pokemon Go fans like myself, perfect for spinning a bunch of pokestops, raiding, and community day. Lots of food is also around the area, so perfect after a long day's worth of Pokemon here. Cupid Span can get pretty crowded with people and dogs alike. Lots of dog owners love coming here to have doggy play dates. I don't have a dog, but I enjoy seeing the dogs frolic with one another. Besides coming here for Pokemon Go, I come here for the amazing bridge views, during sunset. For the BEST views, September and October are the most ideal times coming here because the weather is just perfect - not too cold or hot, and not too foggy. Best way to get here? Public transit. There is parking, but it's limited, and many of the metered parking spots are designated as "Special Parking Zone" which means free parking does not start until 10 pm on some days. Save the hassle and take public transit if you can.

    JoAnn S.

    After taking my 3 and 8 year old grandsons on the ferry from Alameda to San Francisco for the first time, we headed toward Cupids Span. It is what is most visible on the skyline with the bright red "feathers" of the arrow standing almost vertical. The kids and I skipped up the pathway to the giant bow and arrow. When we got closer I noticed that there was a low wire surrounding the installation by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen. The 8 year old crawled under the wire first, and then the 3 year old followed. The older brother ran through the grass with younger one following in his big brother's foot steps. Then the big brother started running up the sculpture and sliding down it. "WHEEE" it looked like such fun!!! Both boys started slowly and picked up steam as they got more confidence. The artists created a perfect slide for people of all ages. I didn't go on it myself, but my grandsons had a blast! Tip: if you are coming from Alameda or Oakland and you take the ferry you won't have to worry about parking while visiting this amazing site. Ps. If they didn't want people to slide on the bow, don't you think they would have made it more difficult to get on?

    The amazing view of the Bay Bridge... get love bitten!
    Eric R.

    "There is always some madness in love..." - Lestat Location: Embarcadero Waterfront, San Francisco. Cupid's Span aka Cupid's Bow is a 60-foot sculpture inspired by San Francisco's reputation as the home port of Eros. Cupid's Span is an outdoor sculpture by married artists Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, commissioned by The Gap founders, Donald and Doris F. Fisher, as a gift to the city of San Francisco in 2002. Having lived in San Francisco I regret not taking the time to visit such a cool site sooner. The location up a hill, on the Embarcadero waterfront, has added a sense of magic and romance to the skyline of lovely San Francisco. For the romantics, the mythological symbolism of Eros shooting his arrow into the earth to make it fertile. On my visit I had the Commodores playing while I picnicked on a patch of grass. Or maybe I was dancing to Spandau Ballet? So true... In the end, I recommend Cupid's Span for all to see. I mean who can complain on something free to the public and now a part of San Francisco's ever changing skyline. And with all the pheromones floating around still a fun spot for the kiddies too! For me, it brought a smile to my face and that's what it's all about. My gift to you, lovers;)

    Cris I.

    Located in Rincon Park near the Embarcadero which I go to frequently whenever I'm visiting San Francisco. Built in 2002 but I didn't know if its existence until a recent trip around the city with Alana and Nadine. No one can ever deny that whoever comes for a visit, always leave his/her heart in San Francisco. I do! I am always lovestruck with this beautiful city that I always comeback whenever I get the chance. Cupid must have used his bow and arrow to pin my heart right in this city. I'm glad to be able to see this beautiful art installation. It is strategically located with a view of the Oakland bridge on one side, the magnificent buildings on the other side, and the Ferry Building down the street. Great photo opportunities in every angle.

    Alana M.

    Did you leave your heart in San Francisco?? I knew I wanted to see this when I came to San Francisco! This is such a whimsical piece of art designed by married couple, Claes Oldenburg & Coosje Van Bruggen! I was fortunate enough to view three of their works of art in three cities in a span of three weeks without even realizing it until I looked up their other works! You can find Cupid's Span along Embarcadero, in Rincon Park, just south of the Ferry Building. It was installed in 2002. The Bay Bridge is highly visible in the background. Coosje van Bruggen decided she wanted the front of the bow downward and the feathers of the arrow in the air. I read that the feathers really do move in the wind, how cool! Coosje said it could also be interpreted as a tightened version of a suspension bridge, and that seemed to be perfect for the pair as they continued with their plans. It is huge at roughly 60ft tall! It is definitely visible from afar! This sculpture is listed as one of the 15 Most Beautiful Places To Get Married in SF! Not sure I would choose this place, but I guess others have! It is worth having a look at and taking pictures. I'm glad we could incorporate seeing this in our busy day of sightseeing with my friends!

    Street view
    Antonio L.

    Cupid's Span is a fun location for a quick photo opportunity. I'd advise to go with someone to help you take those fun photos. I tried doing some selfies but couldn't get the right angles or get in the right position to take a fun shot. I looked like a weirdo out there trying to take some photos that didn't turn out to be posting worthy. This gardening around this huge bow & arrow is well maintained. But if you get a bit closer to the bow & arrow itself, it needs a little love. I remember seeing something stuck at the top end of the bow, a balloon I think. And with the "friendly" seagulls, there's massive amounts of poop all over the figure. It does add to the character of the area. A random, huge bow and arrow by the bay shore is pretty interesting. And as I mentioned early, photo worthy for your social media addiction.

    Elle N.

    C entered around romantic nostalgia U nique bow and arrow design P ublic art for us to enjoy I n Rincon Park on the Embarcadero D esigned by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje Van Bruggen S an Francisco is a place where we left our heart S culpture made of fiberglass and steel P ort land A view of the San Francisco Bay, Bay Bridge and beyond. N oteworthy place to celebrate an anniversary #CupidsSpan #SanFrancisco #WeddingAnniversary2016

    See all

    Photo of Alex C.
    2646
    1106
    1301

    6 months ago

    Helpful 34
    Thanks 10
    Love this 32
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Abel A.
    1099
    287
    1248

    5 months ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 3
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 35
    Thanks 16
    Love this 35
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    A beautiful piece of work. A great photo op along Embarcadero. It's like you feel what the symbol emanates. Pleasant view every time.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 11
    Thanks 3
    Love this 10
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 24
    Thanks 2
    Love this 22
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 2
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 9
    Thanks 2
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 2
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 1
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 9
    Thanks 2
    Love this 13
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 50
    Thanks 1
    Love this 49
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Cris I.
    1066
    1582
    21950

    8 years ago

    Helpful 34
    Thanks 1
    Love this 34
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 27
    Thanks 1
    Love this 29
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 1
    Love this 9
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 39
    Thanks 0
    Love this 40
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Elle N.
    2551
    870
    18506

    9 years ago

    Helpful 64
    Thanks 0
    Love this 72
    Oh no 0
    Photo of William G.
    3759
    2422
    6712

    9 years ago

    Helpful 19
    Thanks 1
    Love this 22
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 44
    Thanks 1
    Love this 42
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Christy A.
    4990
    1517
    15462

    11 years ago

    Helpful 21
    Thanks 0
    Love this 22
    Oh no 0

    18 years ago

    Helpful 18
    Thanks 0
    Love this 18
    Oh no 0
    Photo of John G.
    514
    1115
    10380

    11 years ago

    Helpful 10
    Thanks 0
    Love this 11
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Rebekah T.
    4928
    2666
    15164

    13 years ago

    Helpful 10
    Thanks 1
    Love this 10
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Nic Z.
    372
    1806
    5418

    8 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 12
    Thanks 0
    Love this 13
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Karina W.
    589
    18
    936

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jen L.
    227
    2960
    1788

    10 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Anna F.
    125
    536
    3574

    13 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Amy L.
    645
    506
    2632

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 4

    Ask the Community - Cupid's Span

    Review Highlights - Cupid's Span

    This is such a whimsical piece of art designed by married couple, Claes Oldenburg & Coosje Van Bruggen!

    Mentioned in 15 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Landmarks & Historical Buildings 4,927 times last month within 5 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Mount Tamalpais State Park

    Mount Tamalpais State Park

    4.8(435 reviews)
    22.2 km

    Just past SF this park has so many different trail options perfect for all hiking levels. The…read moredownside is this place gets PACKED! My sister and I arrived before 8am at the Watershed parking lot and barely found a space. We did the trail that took us to the West Point Inn for the pancake breakfast and round trip was close to 5 miles so it was a great workout. There's gorgeous views and well! On the way back to the 101 however it's a mess. The road on the way down is crowded with parked cars, which makes driving through challenging. That's the only thing about this park, other than that I'd love to come back in spring when everything is green and vibrant!

    My first association of Mt Tam is from Cowgirl Creamery's best seller, Mt Tam Triple Cream with…read moreHeart cheese. Ever since then, I've wanted to hike this peak, today I have achieved my wish. Early June with mild coastal temp, 50s-60s. Started up Matt Davis Trail in the foggy forest, to Pantoll Campground, to West Point Inn where we can look down to the top of the fog layer, to the Fire Lookout building at the Peak. Then we came down reverse but split off to Steep Ravine and Dip Sea trail after the campground. I've also always wanted to climb that ladder. This hike provided views of the Pacific ocean on the West as well as views of Richmond-San Rafael Bridge on the East side. I thoroughly enjoyed the cool lush forest, but actually my favorite section was the single track along the slope of the open area after the Mt Tam State Park sign.

    Photos
    Mount Tamalpais State Park - Yummy time for critters

    Yummy time for critters

    Mount Tamalpais State Park
    Mount Tamalpais State Park

    See all

    Golden Gate Park - Shooters Shoot ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

    Golden Gate Park

    4.7(1.4k reviews)
    6.1 km

    Imagine a huge rectangle. Make it a park with grass and hills, flowers, trees, some fountains... I…read moredunno, throw in a big lake, some world-class Art and Science museums, and a dome where concerts and shows perform in the Summer. Let's also close down the streets from cars one day a week in the Summer so people can ride their bikes, skate, rollerblade, play and dance in the streets! How about on some warm weekend days we put huge concerts there that fill the grass for as far as the eye can see so people can bring all their friends to enjoy food, drinks, and music together. And the lake... let's make it so people can rent boats, and if they don't or can't row, they can peddle so they, too, can enjoy the waterfall and life on the lake! Let's also have beautiful statues around the park, definitely a Shakespeare Garden, and let's throw in something for garden lovers, like a Botanical Garden (a big one) and a Conservatory of Flowers. For more culture, let's add a Japanese Tea Garden with more lakes and flowers, and even a bridge in the shape of a circle. Let's also make this accessible to everyone, so some days, the museums are free (ie, usually once a month). And some entrance fees are lower for locals. (Check the websites.) Aaaaaand this is Golden Gate Park, and this is my favorite park in California, if not the entire country.

    something for everyone…read more this park is big! don't try to walk it all, just go to wherever you're interested in. whether it's the museum, japan tea garden, botanical garden, boating at the lake, or choose any picnic spot. a sunny day here is really enjoyable, so much space to spread out from others and do your own thing great for taking a stroll and dog walking.

    Photos
    Golden Gate Park - Golden Gate Park

    Golden Gate Park

    Golden Gate Park - Golden Gate Park

    Golden Gate Park

    Golden Gate Park - Golden Gate Park

    See all

    Golden Gate Park

    Lafayette Park - Lots of monkey bars at Lafayette Park!

    Lafayette Park

    4.5(186 reviews)
    3.3 kmPacific Heights

    We really enjoy coming to Lafayette Park Playground this morning for an early Easter egg hunting…read moreevent--it's quite unique compared to other playgrounds in the city. The layout is more challenging and perfect for little explorers who love to climb, balance, and stay active. My 3-year-old always finds something new to do, and it keeps them engaged for a long time. I also appreciate that babies aren't left out--there are designated areas where younger kids can safely play too. The restroom is conveniently located and clean, which is a big plus for families. That said, some of the rocky edges can be a bit risky for adventurous kids, so it's definitely a place where you'll want to keep a close eye on them at all times. The only downside is parking--it can be pretty tough to find a spot, especially during busy times. Overall, it's a fun and exciting playground that's great for kids of different ages, as long as you're prepared for a bit of supervision and a parking hunt!

    What you lose in challenging elevation changes, you gain in stunning views and greenery. Lafayette…read morepark is an iconic location in San Francisco and a place that serves regular park goers, those who want to play tennis, those with kids, as well as our four legged friends. The park is beautifully maintained, with clean walking paths, manicured gardens, and enough benches and seating spaces. You can easily find a little corner to make your own for a bit. There is a rather large and modern kids playground and even more large grassy areas, both for those who want to lounge and for the dogs that want to run around. Overall, Lafayette Park is yet another gem that makes San Francisco special.

    Photos
    Lafayette Park
    Lafayette Park
    Lafayette Park - Beautiful paths view of Sutro Tower, pretty area

    See all

    Beautiful paths view of Sutro Tower, pretty area

    Cupid's Span - landmarks - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...