Wave Organ

The Wave Organ is an art installation with pipes arranged along the San Francisco Bay shoreline that convert waves into sounds. The tubes of different sizes are embedded in stone and concrete work, responding to water movement throughout the site.

The artwork was created in 1986 by Peter Richards and stonemason George Gonzales, using stones from a demolished cemetery. This transformation of materials into new purpose was a key part of the artistic concept.

The installation emerged from collaboration between an artist and a craftsperson, showing how nature and sound can work together. Visitors experience how water movement directly creates music here.

Visitors should come during high tide to hear the best sounds from the pipes, as more water produces richer tones. It's wise to wear sturdy shoes and expect wet rocks throughout the area.

Each pipe produces different tones depending on water level and wave strength. On calm days the sounds are barely audible, while stormy weather creates dramatic tones.

Location: San Francisco

Inception: 1986

Creator: Peter Richards

Accessibility: Wheelchair inaccessible

Website: https://exploratorium.edu/visit/wave-organ

GPS coordinates: 37.80849,-122.44021

Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:02