16th Avenue Tiled Steps
Irish ceramicist Aileen Barr and San Francisco mosaic artist Colette Crutcher are the authors of this staircase. In fact, it has become the world’s longest mosaic staircase with over 2000 beautiful tiles and 75,000 fragments of tile, mirror and stained glass of different colors. Besides, The 16th Avenue Tiled Steps are the hidden treasure of San Francisco. Noiteworthy, handmade colorful tiles in the shapes of stars, birds, flowers, fish, and more bear the names of over 200 local residents and businesses who helped make the dream a reality.

Created by Irish ceramicist Aileen Barr and San Francisco mosaic artist Colette Crutcher, 16th Avenue Tiled Steps has become the world’s longest mosaic staircase. Over a two and a half year period, a tireless group of neighbors raised funds and lobbied City government to make the project, unveiled in August 2005, a reality. The names of over 300 sponsors are woven into the sweeping sea-to-sky design. Over 2000 handmade tiles and 75,000 fragments of tile, mirror and stained glass went into the finished piece.

Meanwhile, The Tiled Steps received several awards. In particular, 2006 Beautification Award, San Francisco Beautiful, Special Recognition Award, Precita Eyes Mural Arts Center, Certificate of Appreciation, Art Deco Society of California and City’s Clean and Green Award.

16th Avenue Tiled Steps

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