Vaillancourt Fountain, San Francisco
Facts and practical information
In the heart of San Francisco's bustling financial district stands a unique piece of urban art that often sparks curiosity and debate: the Vaillancourt Fountain. Also known as "Québec libre!" after the inscription by its creator, the fountain is a concrete structure that commands attention with its unconventional design.
Constructed in 1971 and designed by the French-Canadian artist Armand Vaillancourt, the fountain is a testament to Brutalist architecture. Its stark, bold lines and the raw concrete material from which it is crafted are characteristic of the style, which was popular in the mid-20th century. The fountain is not just a static sculpture but a dynamic piece of art, with water cascading through its various channels and pools, creating a vibrant, if not discordant, symphony of sights and sounds.
The Vaillancourt Fountain has been a subject of controversy since its inception. Some see it as a masterpiece of public art, while others view it as an eyesore. Despite the mixed reviews, it has become an integral part of San Francisco's landscape, reflecting the city's spirit of embracing bold ideas and diverse forms of expression.
Located in Justin Herman Plaza, near the Embarcadero, the fountain is impossible to miss for anyone walking by or enjoying the open space of the plaza. It serves as a gathering place for locals and tourists alike, offering a respite from the surrounding skyscrapers and a touch of artistic flair in a city known for its cultural landmarks.
Justin Herman PlazaNortheast San Francisco (Financial District)San Francisco 94102
- Metro
- Bus
- Trolleybus
- Tram
- Light rail
- Ferry
Metro
- Calculate routeFerry Building 2 min walk
- Calculate routeThe Embarcadero & Washington Street 3 min walk
- Calculate routeDon Chee Way & Steuart Street 4 min walk
- Calculate routeMarket Street & Drumm Street 4 min walk
- Calculate routeSan Francisco Ferry Building 2 min walk
- Calculate routeSteuart Street & Market Street 2 min walk
- Calculate routeMarket Street & Steuart Street 2 min walk
- Calculate routeDrumm Street & Clay Street 3 min walk
- Calculate routeMarket Street & Steuart Street 2 min walk
- Calculate routeClay Street & Drumm Street 3 min walk
- Calculate routeSacramento Street & Davis Street 4 min walk
- Calculate routeSteuart Street & Mission Street 5 min walk
- Calculate routeFerry Building Gate B 4 min walk
- Calculate routePier 41 Gate 2 35 min walk
- Calculate routeEmbarcadero 6 min walk
- Calculate routeMontgomery Street 15 min walk
- Calculate routePowell Street 26 min walk
- Calculate routeEmbarcadero 6 min walk
- Calculate routeFolsom 13 min walk
- Calculate routeMontgomery Street 15 min walk
- Calculate routeBrannan 23 min walk
Muni Metro
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which popular attractions are close to Vaillancourt Fountain?
How to get to Vaillancourt Fountain by public transport?
Tram
- Ferry Building • Lines: F (2 min walk)
- The Embarcadero & Washington Street • Lines: F (3 min walk)
Bus
- San Francisco Ferry Building • Lines: 82 (2 min walk)
- Steuart Street & Market Street • Lines: Kbus, Lbus, N-Owl, Tbus (2 min walk)
Trolleybus
- Market Street & Steuart Street • Lines: 14 (2 min walk)
- Clay Street & Drumm Street • Lines: 1 (3 min walk)
Ferry
- Ferry Building Gate B • Lines: San Francisco Bay Ferry (4 min walk)
- Pier 41 Gate 2 • Lines: Blue & Gold Fleet, San Francisco Bay Ferry (35 min walk)
Metro
- Embarcadero • Lines: Blue, Green, Red, Yellow (6 min walk)
- Montgomery Street • Lines: Blue, Green, Red, Yellow (15 min walk)
Light rail
- Embarcadero • Lines: K, N, S, T (6 min walk)
- Folsom • Lines: N, S, T (13 min walk)
California