Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
 collage of several public artworks across San Diego.
Public Arts
There are more than 800 pieces of public art in the city of San Diego, and hundreds more across the rest of San Diego County. The region received more than $10 million in state and federal grants for public art in the last five years.
 collage of several public artworks across San Diego.
Photos by KPBS Staff / Graphic by Cheryl Cayabyab

Art in the Open: Exploring public art across San Diego

There are more than 800 pieces of public art in the city of San Diego, and hundreds more across the rest of San Diego County. The region received more than $10 million in state and federal grants for public art in the last five years.

Public art ranges from the famous — the Kissing Statue at the Port of San Diego or the Nikigator in Balboa Park — to the less well known. It can be found everywhere, from office complexes and the airport to panels on bridges to murals on the streets to decorative crosswalks and public utility boxes to the walls of libraries to public restrooms.

KPBS is embarking on a series to explore public art. Follow this series for stories about the artists who make these works, why public art is created, what impact it has and where it can be found. And we want to hear from you about what public artworks you notice or are most curious about.

Explore our coverage

Encinitas Art Commission proposes cultural goals for the city’s general plan after disagreements over which sculptures qualified for installation left pedestals empty for months.

Watch the videos
Artist Jim Wilsterman created the stainless steel clouds that encircle the Helix and Padre Dam Municipal Water Disctricts tower in East County. It was part of a public art project in the mid-1990s. Dec. 13, 2023 Playing
East County water tower: Monstrosity or provocative public art?
"Mukikmalim, Su'ulim, Chem-tema-ki'ay (Birds, Stars, Our Lands) is shown at 7836 Herschel Avenue on Monday, Oct. 30, 2023. Playing
La Jolla mural is ‘the first public display’ of Kúpa language
The Spirit of Imperial Beach is a large bronze statue that pays homage to the city's rich surf history in this undated photo. Playing
How surf history inspired Imperial Beach's public art scene
A large mural in Encinitas depicts a woman holding a flower in ocean waves, Oct. 18, 2023. Playing
From mosaics to murals, public art blossoms in Encinitas
A mural by Shepard Fairey is shown on Ivy Street in South Park, San Diego on Friday, Oct. 13, 2023. Playing
Shepard Fairey, once ‘harassed’ by city police for his art, challenges authority in South Park
When you hit the railings' chimes, the Crab Carillon bridge in Golden Hill plays music. Sept. 15, 2023. Playing
The musical bridge in San Diego's Golden Hill neighborhood

_

FOMO
Check out can't-miss local events

The Soto Six Plays the Music of Jeff Lorber

Saturday, August 22, 2026 at 8 PM
Dizzy's Jazz
$15-20

Super Girl Surf Festival Concert

Sunday, August 23, 2026 at 12 PM
Oceanside Pier Amphitheatre
0-$268.29
Free for everyone
A toast to the Spreckels Organ

Spreckels 38th Annual Summer Organ Festival Presents Piano & Organ Concert

Monday, August 24, 2026 from 7:30 PM to 9 PM
Spreckels Organ Pavilion
Free

Women in Music SD

Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 7 PM
Ongoing until December 24, 2026
The Music Company
Free for everyone

Golden Island Presents: Charlie Arbelaez SD Quartet - Dim Sum & Jazz CCLXVII

Friday, August 28, 2026 from 6 PM to 8:30 PM
Golden Island Dim Sum & Asian Cuisine
Free
Free for everyone
North City’s Dancing in the Street Series - Salsa Night

North City’s Dancing in the Street Series Returns with Salsa Night

Friday, August 28, 2026 from 6 PM to 8 PM
North City
Free

'the wulfeater' - interactive musical theater experience

Friday, August 28, 2026 at 7:30 PM
Ongoing until September 18, 2026
Tenth Avenue Arts Center
$36 to $62

Muse: The Wow! Signal Tour

Saturday, August 29, 2026 at 7 PM
North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
From $67

Pacific Soul Jazz Festival

Saturday, September 5, 2026 at 12 PM
Ongoing until September 6, 2026
UC San Diego's Epstein Family Amphitheater
$40 - $275

Brandi Carlile: The Human Tour

Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at 6 PM
The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park
$92-$614

Surfer's Point LIVE Pop-Up Concert Series

Thursday, September 24, 2026 at 6 PM
Ongoing until October 2, 2026
Del Mar Fairgrounds
Like to be in the loop?
Let us help! Stay ahead of what’s happening in the San Diego region. Join our mailing list and we will send you a weekly arts newsletter, tips, recommendations and the latest stories from the local scene right to your inbox. Sign up!