A Living Tribute: Moscone Center's Vibrant Carousel Living Wall
San Francisco's Moscone Center, a hub of innovation and convention, now boasts a breathtaking new installation that marries art, nature, and local history: a stunning living wall designed by Chris Bribach of Plants On Walls. Planted in 2024, this vertical garden is more than just a beautiful facade; it's a dynamic, colorful homage to a beloved San Francisco landmark: the LeRoy King Carousel at Yerba Buena Gardens.
LeRoy King Carousel at Moscone Center San Francisco.
A Nod to History: The LeRoy King Carousel
The inspiration for the living wall comes from a carousel with a story as rich and vibrant as the plants themselves. Built in 1906 by the legendary Charles Looff, this carousel was originally destined for San Francisco. However, fate intervened with the devastating 1906 earthquake, rerouting its journey.
It found its first long-term home at the iconic Playland-at-the-Beach, enchanting generations of San Franciscans from 1914 to 1973. After a stint in Long Beach, it triumphantly returned to San Francisco in 1998, finding its permanent place in Yerba Buena Gardens. In 2014, it was rightfully renamed the LeRoy King Carousel, honoring the man instrumental in its return to the city by the bay.
Capturing the Carousel's Spirit in Green
Chris Bribach’s design for the Moscone Center living wall cleverly mimics the joyful, undulating movement of the carousel's colorful horses. Using a carefully curated collection of plants known for their vibrant hues, the wall creates a living tapestry that evokes the nostalgia and cheer of the ride. The "up and down" motion of the carousel animals is translated into waves of color and texture, making the wall a dynamic piece of performance art.
Moscone Center Living Walls Design Grid representing the movement of the LeRoy King Carousel. Design: Plants On Walls
Plants are added to the Florafelt Pro System at the Moscone Center San Francisco. Design: Plants On Walls.
The Palette: A Garden of Color and Life
The plant selection is key to achieving this dazzling effect. Here are some of the stars of the Moscone Center living wall, contributing their unique shades to this magnificent display:
LANTANA 'Irene' (Lantana)
HEUCHERA 'Château Rouge' (Coral Bells) – adding rich brown tones
SENECIO cephalophorus 'Orange Flame' (Orange Flame Senecio)
SEDUM nussbaumerianum (Coppertone Stonecrop)
SEDUM adolphi (Golden Sedum)
AJUGA reptans (Carpet Bugle)
ACORUS gramineus (Sweet Flag)
FUSCHIA genii (Fuchsia)
Together, these plants create a living mural that shifts with the light and seasons, continually bringing new life and color to the urban landscape. This living wall is not just an aesthetic feature; it's a testament to sustainable design, improving air quality and adding vital green space to the bustling city center.
Next time you're near the Moscone Center, take a moment to appreciate this extraordinary living tribute. It's a perfect example of how thoughtful design can integrate history, art, and nature into our urban fabric.