Panoramas and Public Art: "Soma"

Twice a month we'll share some of our favorite vistas and destinations in the city and the Muni routes and lines that will take you there. Panoramas and Public Art is a recurring feature showcasing permanent and temporary art along with classic views  found throughout the city.

The Flaming Lotus Girls' "Soma" by day. (Photo: Caroline Miller)

"Soma" was originally built for the Burning Man festival held annually in Nevada's Black Rock Desert. (Photo: Steven Fritz)

With this weekend's introduction of Muni's new E Embarcadero Line service, we thought we'd point out another sight worth seeing along the new waterfront route. On initial inspection, it looks rather intimidating — like a stainless steel-armored scorpion. But by night, "Soma," the 60-ft sculpture on display at Pier 14 and built by the San Francisco artist collective known as Flaming Lotus Girls gains a whole new beauty.

Did you know?

• "Soma" is actually intended to be a depiction of two brain neurons.
• "Soma" was designed and built by the 100-member artist collective known as Flaming Lotus Girls.
• It has graced Pier 14 Plaza since August 2014.
• The sculpture was originally built for 2009 Burning Man.
• The 60-ft sculpture weighs approximately four tons and has 97 LED lights programmed to emit 1.6 million unique colors from the tips of its "dendrites."
• "Soma" replaced "Raygun Gothic Rocket Ship" which previously resided at the public art space. "Raygun" was also designed and constructed by Flaming Lotus Girls.

How to Get There

We highly recommend using the new picturesque E Embarcadero Line; if you can't wait until the weekend, take the Muni Metro inbound to Embarcadero Station or the F Market & Wharves to the Ferry Building, and take the short walk south to the Pier 14 public art plaza.