Public Art

The Civic Arts Program strives to strengthen the community’s sense of belonging and connection by engaging artists to create works that bolster community, enhance the built environment, and reflect the unique character of our city. 

The Civic Arts Program works with artists to produce a range of permanent and temporary public art projects and exhibitions throughout Berkeley in parks, plazas, civic buildings, and other public spaces. The Program operates in accordance with Berkeley Municipal Code (BMC) Section 6.14 to provide opportunities for the placement of permanent and temporary site-specific public art projects in Berkeley’s public spaces. Additionally, the Program oversees the implementation of the Public Art on Private Development Ordinance, a requirement that public art be included in the development project, or satisfied through a contribution to the City’s public art fund.  The Civic Arts Commission reviews and advises the Civic Arts Program on artist selection and placement of public art throughout the City of Berkeley.

There are several places throughout the city of Berkeley where you can view public art.

Civic Art Collection

Since its inception in 1967, Berkeley’s Civic Arts Program has acquired approximately 50 outdoor permanent public artworks, including works of sculpture, integrated design elements, mosaics, tile artworks, and painted murals. Also included in the City’s artwork collection are over 50 small portable, and mostly framed, artworks such as drawings, etchings, paintings, textiles and prints currently displayed in City buildings. The Civic Arts Collection continues to grow, commissioning new public artworks every year. 

You can view over 100 pieces of public art in outdoor spaces and indoor municipal buildings throughout the city. Explore the public art owned by the city in our digital collection.

Cube Space Gallery

Cube Space is located on the ground floor of the City’s Center Street Garage at 2010 Addison Street, and is viewable from the street twenty-four hours per day, seven days per week. 

Cube Space features rotating installations by Bay Area emerging and mid-career artists working in video, multi-media, and sculpture. Learn more about current and past installations on the Cube Space Gallery page.

Downtown Berkeley BART Plaza

The downtown Berkeley BART Plaza features rotating sound art installations. Visit the installation seven days a week from 7 AM to 10 PM.

Learn more about current and past installations on the Downtown Berkeley BART Plaza page.