Interesting sculpture: South San Francisco This was my first time seeing this piece of architecture sitting in the heart of the bio industry area located in South San Francisco. Many of the surrounding buildings are owned by Genentech and off of the main street DNA Way. We parked on the parking lot of a baking culinary school and from there walked up on a paved street that is gated and cars can't access to see the sculpture. Once up there we were able to get a panoramic view of South San Francisco and the Bay. The structure is a 92-foot tall sculpture and can be seen from the Bay Bridge, East Bay and the San Francisco Airport. I had to wait for a plane to pass by and out of sight before I could hear the Wind Harp's chime. The Wind Harp sits above 243 feet above see level and it was windy up there during our visit but that is the unique feature of the Wind Harp. It is one of the world's aeolian harps. An aeolian harp is an instrument played by the movement of the wind, named for the Greek god of the wind, Aeolus. And, yes, you could hear the chime of the "harp" when you get close... it's very cool! I tried to take a video of the chiming sound it created but, unfortunately, it only captured the strong winds. There was a plaque presented by Genentech acknowledging the work of artists, Lucia and Aristides Demetrios. I'm finally able to cross off one my bookmarked places off my list. Worth stopping for. Review #2089 read more

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Very cool, and very odd at the same time. Over the years while working nearby, I've come to appreciate the "wind harp" sculpture. A 92 foot structure of metal, it's actually very cool. When windy, this "thing" really howls with a tone like no other. If in a nearby building, you can actually hear it while inside at a meeting. At the same time, you get used to it. Recommendation: Pick a windy day to visit There's rumors about it (I suggest to try it): ================================= * If you throw a metal object, it will redirect and cling like a magnet to the sculpture * Try to throw a ball thru the sculpture, and it will bounce/reflect away and not penetrate. A Poem: ======== In South San Francisco's gentle breeze, A wind harp sculpture sways with ease, Its graceful form, a work of art, Sings a song from the depths of heart. A melody woven from the wind's embrace, Whispers secrets in an airy space, Strings of metal, resonating free, Echoing the city's symphony. Tall and slender, it reaches high, Against the clear, blue, open sky, Capturing the essence of the coast, In its harmonious, airy host. As the Pacific's breath does flow, Through this sculpted harp, music grows, A serenade for those who pass, A moment of peace, a breath, a class. So, in South San Francisco's grace, This wind harp sculpture finds its place, A reminder of nature's artful dance, In the city's embrace, a sweet romance. read more

Wind Harp Tower - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - South San Francisco, California

We came on a cool and quiet day, there was a bit of wind, but not much. We also didn't go underneath the structure, just around it, along the concrete pathways circling the grassy area where the towering piece of art is situated. We sat on a bench looking out into the distance. The area's not high enough to really offer spectacular views of any kind (the more desirable scenery is blocked by ordinary looking buildings). But the atmosphere at this site was peaceful. And the sculpture, stretching toward the sky, resembled a harp in its unique way, even if it didn't sound like one. We parked at a lot for TMB Baking since it was most convenient. read more

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Just love the iconic sculpture, the fact you have to hike up to the site, and surrounding views. It needs a lot of wind to "play" so IT's performance was just okay while we visited. The Wind Harp must be sought out, discovered and experienced. Hope you are inspired as we are each time we visit. read more

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What a great spot While in South San Francisco you need to check out this cool Wind Harp, that is tucked away with all the Genentech buildings. The Wind Harp is a pretty cool area. Parking is somewhat hard to find, but I found that if you park at TMB Baking, its not that far of a walk. From the gate the Wind Harp is only 176 paces or 440 feet. Once you make the minor incline, you will be hit with some of the most amazing views of the area. Just look past the top of the Genentech roof tops and you will see what I am talking about. You will also get to hear the best feature of the area. As the wind whips through the harp, you will get that amazing sound that the harp makes. Its pretty AMESOME. The harp is one of the world's largest Aeolian Harp's standing just under 100 feet tall. You should check out this place. Take a seat underneath the Wind Harp and enjoy the views and sounds it has to offer read more

I don't know what was so cool about this but it was really cool lol. Parking can be confused because there's so many lots just look for the wind harp sign. I could feel tons of inspiration walking up to it and ideas started to form in my head. The top was awesome you could pretty much 360 degrees around you. The structure provides so many different angles and some nice photo ops. Reminded me of something out of Star Wars or something! After reading the reviews I guess I needed to go on a windy day for the full experience! read more

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New Year's Day was a great day to visit, as there was no traffic issues at all. All the surrounding businesses were closed, so it made it very easy to get there, and park. We parked near the Tower sign at the bottom of the hill, and walked the paved path up the hill. Be aware, when this was erected here in the late '60s, there was a unobstructed view, since the many buildings surrounding the park were not built yet. You could see for miles. Now, unfortunately, buildings block the view. If there is no wind, there will be no sound, and so you will only see a tall metal piece of art. That in itself is beautiful, I just expected more. Will like to return on a windy day to listen to the music. read more

Wonderful hike to see the sights around South San Fransico. It was on the trail that leads all the way down to the bay. Some very beautiful photo ops. read more

It was a beautiful structured art piece, it was just the right amount of windy and it was relatively sunny for being in South City. But the view of buildings kinda ruined the view of the bay. read more

Also known as the wind tower, this is an amazing part of my youth... I am relatively sure that it has a plaque with the info about the artist and the install, and will take a pic first chance I get. Whatever the case, I will give you my nostalgia trip, as well as the short form review I ripped from a random site that had a few short words about it... cause succinct is key! "The Wind Harp is a sculpture at the top of Oyster Point in South San Francisco. It's designed to make noises when wind passes through it. The noises are kinda creepy, like a UFO on acid." -- genome site. We would come up here to hang out, play with friends, play with ladyfriends.... and more. It is really a eerie if not wholly peaceful part of the bay. The wind is typically making the harp vibrate a little bit, but certain days it is so loud and freaky that I shudder standing there. And I haven't the foggiest why we always went... it was almost a magical experience... like a pied piper leading us kids to a freezing and bizarre experience that was truly singular. I cannot tell you how many times my 6'6" frame would cower under the crazy-making body rattling hum that shook my chest. And though I was nervous every time, for some reason.... I would put my ear to the base and hear the howling of ghostly wind as it reverbrated through the structure.... ... this place is definitely iconic... and it is one of the most incredible outings in the city. It is just a tower, but it is one hell of a structure and concept. read more

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This is such a cool piece (not sure if I should call it art or not) It is hidden away behind some industrial plazas - if you think you're in the wrong area, you probably are in the right area. Lol. There is a smaller parking lot - so during a weekday, it looks like it COULD get busy but we came on a Sunday - so businesses were closed - leaving their parking spaces open. There is an entrance sign that you walk up to that is visible from the street - VERY HELPFUL! It is a little bit of an incline to the harp. We went on a pretty windy day so we were lucky to hear the harp right as we were walking about - SO COOL! It's like a light hum, pretty relaxing. They have benches around the harp so I'm sure people that work around the harp can have a great lunch while listening to the hum of the harp and the mini view. I totally recommend it, it's such an awesome piece & something I have never seen. read more

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Fun spot that is great to check out on a windy day! When the winds pick up you can really hear the effect. Some great views as well. Recommend parking by the lot near SF baking institute and walking up the path to the tower! read more

Wind Harp Tower - Wind harp tower from the path - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - South San Francisco, California

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While I was working out at Genentech I always saw the wind harp in the background but didn't get a chance to check it out till the very end of my working out there. Well it is super hard to find parking like everyone else had mentioned. Even with our parking pass! Ha! Sad I happened to go on a day it wasn't windy. However, I enjoyed the open space that was up there and the 3 chairs to sit down on. It is worth checking out, but nothing like mind blowing. Maybe if I got to hear the wind blowing it would have been a bit more awesome. read more

After living in South San Francisco for so long.. I never knew what this landmark was until the other day (sad, isn't it?), but now it has become my favorite place to hang out, read a book, meditate.. And it's surprising to me that not a lot of my friends know this place exists. And I love it! So for now, this will be my secret place. read more

I'm sure it's my fault and I plan on going back for a better experience -- but . . . there was no wind whatsoever (rare for SoCity) but I was bored this Sat. afternoon and had no money for real entertainment so I was perusing yelp for no cost entertainment and read up on the tower -- so off I went. It took a bit to find being the Genentech complex surrounds it, but after many trial and errors I found it! Entrance is right next to 480 Grandview which is off East Grand Ave. Anywhooo, the entrance is clearly marked, the super short paved walk was a bit depressing with a LOT of debris and rusted metal stuff from the adjoining businesses and I was ready to turn back . . . but then the sweetest brown dove with HUGE black eyes crossed my path -- no hurry, just hobbling across the path, stopped and looked at me and kept on . . . birds aren't supposed to make you feel like that -- peaceful and warm. So . . . change mah mind and keep on going. I can see the huge tower right in front of me and after a 60 second walk I hit grass - freshly cut and I can smell the "lawfull grass" smell. Absolutely no one else up there but me --- and the rooftop generators for the gazillion Genentech buildings. I, press one ear then the other to each tower --- something, anything --- no nothing. Only the generator sound. Oh, well . . . wasn't bored any more. Took pics to boot. read more

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This place was kind of hard to spot out unless you know the area. The parking is a little sus - when I was there, there was an abandoned car that got bipped so obviously bring any valuables with you (if you live in the bay then you already do that lol). You have to walk up a short hill and when you get there, that's pretty much it. There's not much of a view but the actual wind harp is really cool! I think I spent 10 minutes max here. read more

Ah, the Wind Harp Tower...sort of South San Francisco's version of San Francisco's Coit Tower and Wave Organ rolled into one!! It's perched atop a high hill and affords some pretty cool views of the surrounding areas, the Bay, San Bruno Mountain, the City and SFO...lots to see! When the wind blows through the long metal tubes of the wind harp, it emits these odd humming tones...I don't know if they are A-flats or E-sharps, I didn't bring a tuning fork, Maestro! Suffice to say, the sounds are kinda creepy yet soothing! You'll stand there, transfixed, for a good 5-10 minutes by the sounds and vibrations...I have to admit, pretty cool idea that Aristides Demetrios came up with when he designed and built the Wind Harp! There used to be a way to drive up and park right across from the Wind Tower (used to be a popular make out spot back in the day) but now it's closed off and just for security folk (so they can make out, I suppose) so you have to park down the way and hoof it up the hill! (It's not too steep) and frankly, it's green and pretty and so much to see! Once atop the hill, there are several benches to sit and enjoy the Wind Harp and the views! You can also bike up the path (it's generous in size to accommodate cyclists and pedestrians alike) Come on over and check out the Wind Harp Tower! If you're nice (and it's windy) the Harp may play you a tune! (NOTE: The Wind Harp does not take requests!) read more

Every once in a while, it's nice to come here. The biggest issue with this place is finding parking. There used to be a parking lot right across the street, and now it's for security only. This leaves parking in Genetech parking lots and hoping you're not going to get towed or very far away ensuring a long walk. Without this sucky situation, it would be pretty nice to come here more often. Good things: --View of the bay (so-so) --Benches to rest and look out --Cool sounds on windy days --The Star Wars laser sound when you throw a rock at the structure --The general ambiance of the place It's a cool spot. Now, South City needs to make a better way for people to park and conveniently see this thing. . . read more

"Beam me up, Scotty!" OK. I know that's corny, but that's what I remember thinking when I first stood under this enormous structure. The Wind Harp, created by Aristides Demetrios, is one of those little known secrets tucked away in Oyster Point, the commercial area of South City. As the wind blows through the long metal tubes, it creates a sound that fills your ears with the most eerie echoes of low and high pitched tones. Think fog horns from distant alien ships! I lived in South City for eight years and on a good windy day, typically in the summer, I could hear the harp from my house more than a few miles away. Now that I live in San Francisco, it's the fog horns that greet me when I'm home. I would log this one into a side-trip worth doing! read more

On a windy day, you can actually hear the Wind Harp (I've always known it as Whistling Tower) singing. The only problem is on windy days it's too darn cold to be up there. It was warm, calm and clear enough to see the Bay Bridge and the East Bay when I visited (2/13/2011). The structure itself is really dated and is starting to rust (and really not that attractive to me). My buddy noticed a plastic bag in one of the bushes and pulled out some pamphlets about a scavenger hunt. Unfortunately, the scavenger hunt ended in 2010. I really hate giving a low rating on one of the only landmarks in South City, but there really isn't much to see here. Visit only if you absolutely have nothing else to do or if you need a place to bike to (it's near a nice bike trail). The End read more

I actually think it is better to look at than to listen to. I don't know if it was just the direction of the wind, but I primarily heard only a single harmonic (something in the octave above middle C). The only thing that made the sound interesting is the mystery of how such a structure responds to the wind to produce the single note I heard. The hill is nice and grassy and the views offer some nice perspectives of the bay area. The Wind Harp made for a nice bicycling destination. I love these out-of-the way places that involve creative architecture. If you like the Wave Organ in SF, you'll fancy this as well. read more

The fist time I visited the Wind Harp was in the late '60s. I was working in the area and saw this strange thing sitting to top of a small hill. There were no buildings back then. I found a road that led to it and pulled right up beside it. The wind was blowing dogs off of chains and it was singing away. I revisited whenever I could until I got transferred out of the area. Years later I was on a date and driving home from the City. On a whim I told my date we were going to visit the Wind Harp. She thought I was crazy util we got there. She was blown away. Genentec had just started to build in the area but you could still drive up to it. Apparently the area had turned into a passion pit as the ground was covered in broken glass. It's nice to see that the area has been turned into a well kept park. read more

My boyfriend and I wanted to explore San Francisco. I came across this place from Yelp. It was a little difficult to find, but once we got there we seen that is was a beautiful location. You can't drive up to the Wind Harp, but there is some parking down the way. It's a nice place to go for a walk and converse. We went on a beautiful day and it was windy enough for the Wind Harp to make its music, which was breathe taking. When you stand under it you can really hear the sounds coming from the harp. read more

A nice little detour, the wind harp tower is a pleasant (and free) diversion. One walks up a short hill and there it is, making interesting sounds as the wind hits it. I was there when there was a nice breeze. Without wind, it might be a dud. read more

Checked it out for the first time a couple of days ago, Pretty cool! Unfortunately there was no wind, but it was cool none the less.

This is the most amazing creation! It's located in a very secluded location. It's on the Genetech campus, which doesn't provide Wind Harp visitors' parking. All the parking lots are the Genetech employees, etc. Genetech has multiple van transporting what appears to be employees. If there was parking for Wind Harp viewers we did not see it. We were there during working hours during the week and there was zero legal parking, not even on the street. Perhaps parking, during the weekend, may be available in one of the multiple Genetech parking lots. The Wind Harp sounds and is beautiful. It's well worth the walk up the paved hill. Once you get up the hill you can sit on one of the two benches and listen to the harp (if the wind is blowing) and view the ocean. The harp has zero moving parts. read more

Really nice views from up here (if there's no fog)...and pretty peaceful if you're the only one around. It's getting a little old and in need of a resurfacing, but that's just patina right? :) Really cold up here though!! read more

I remember going here 30 years ago. I think this is the closet I've ever come to experiencing a parallel universe.

Ahh, the beloved whistling towers.. How I love thee so. As long as I'm wearing a jacket!

We made our first visit to Wind Harp on a breezy Monday afternoon. There were no signs prohibiting the public from parking at 480 Grandview Dr. (right next to the park gate) so that's were we parked. No problem. Wind Harp is a unique and wonderful find. It is called an aeolian harp for lack of a better term, however Wind Harp does not produce sound from wind powered strings. I haven't been able to determine if the sound is produced by the arched spans, the I-beam towers or both. The instrument produces a multitude of tones, some sustained and others intermittent. The sound changes relative to the listening position so plenty of room is provided to walk around the tower. I believe that the artists Lucia and Aristides Demetrios intended the sound to be somewhat dissonant and industrial, an aural memory of the old SSF ship yards. Wind Harp was built from Bethlehem Steel Mayari-R, a low alloy steel. The rust coating actually protects the steel from weathering. The entire tower flexes with the breeze. The visual design is as striking as the sound the harp produces. The arches combine to form changing shapes as the viewer walks around the tower. There are style elements similar to the Golden Gate bridge. We will return to Wind Tower. I would like to hear it when a gale is blowing. read more

I made it here during a lull in my conventions activities. Go on a windy day though in order to hear what the tower does. It was a very still time of day when I went. It was a nice place just the same. I could see the bay, enjoy the birds and sunshine. read more

Went there on a crazy windy day and it was great!!! Brought back great memories of when my dad used to take me there...but back then, it stood alone and there was hardly any Genentech! Still really cool read more

Very cool. The wind was blowing like mad today and it was also nice and clear so I finally went to visit. I love installations like this and am usually disappointed by their sound performance. The Wind Harp did not disappoint. It is amazing how much sound this thing makes when the wind is really cranking, and the sounds are other-worldly. If you are in the neighborhood on a windy day check it out! read more