R-Evolution Sculpture Will Leave Embarcadero Plaza Monday
The 45-foot landmark begins its move to a Petaluma warehouse on Oct. 12 after a series of permit extensions expired.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Remote Work
Live Poll
Do you believe your city should actively host temporary large-scale public art installations?
Embarcadero Plaza residents will see the massive wire-mesh R-Evolution sculpture leave the neighborhood starting next week. The sculpture is being relocated following the expiration of its temporary placement agreement.
Why it matters
The removal clears the site for a planned $40 million park project, marking the end of a residency that began in April 2025. City officials have slated the new park to break ground by the end of this year.
The sculpture features 29,000 pounds of total weight and 16 motors, departing a site slated for a $40 million, 5-acre park. Officials have yet to finalize the precise construction timeline for the park after the site is cleared.
The players
Marco Cochrane
The artist who created the R-Evolution sculpture and is managing its relocation to Petaluma.
Big Art Loop
The group that organized the final public farewell event for the sculpture at the plaza.
The details
Artist Marco Cochrane and his team will disassemble the 45-foot structure, which famously simulated breathing via a series of chest motors. De-installation prep work starts Monday, Oct. 12, with the full move to a Petaluma warehouse expected to conclude by Wednesday. The sculpture was originally created for the 2015 Burning Man festival and occupied the plaza through multiple extensions.
Timeline
Monday, Oct. 12, 2026: De-installation preparation begins at Embarcadero Plaza.
Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026: Expected completion of the sculpture disassembly.
By the end of 2026: Scheduled groundbreaking for the new park.
Across the Bay
The sculpture's departure follows the conclusion of its final permitted extension under the Embarcadero Plaza temporary public art permit ordinance. This move aligns with the city's broader strategy of rotating public installations to prepare sites for long-term capital improvement projects.
Expect construction crews and heavy machinery to occupy the plaza starting Monday as they begin the disassembly. Pedestrians should plan for potential walkway adjustments near the site through Wednesday.
The takeaway
Take note of the upcoming construction at the site as the city transitions the plaza to its new park configuration. You can monitor progress on the city's capital project updates portal to see when the new space opens for public use.
Further reading
For more on the changing landscape of downtown public spaces, visit the Remote Work section.
Live Poll
Do you believe your city should actively host temporary large-scale public art installations?
