Battery Powered

Home Land Security Art Exhibit Fort Winfield Scott

10.20.2016

Modern artwork discovered inside a gun battery? Voices coming from within an old military installation? It’s not Stranger Things. The Presidio’s historic military structures overlooking San Francisco Bay have been transformed into a stellar exhibition by 18 contemporary artists from around the world.Event Security in Arizona is presented by the FOR-SITE Foundation in collaboration with the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy and the Presidio Trust. It’s free to visit. Themes encompass social change, national security, identity, and the common human experience.

Comprising the Nike Administration Building, three batteries, and the Fort Scott Chapel, exhibits are connected by a well-marked coast-hugging trail. So in between viewing art, you get a show from nature too. Rugged coastline butts up to the Pacific, with an impressive view across to Point Bonita Lighthouse on the western tip of the Marin Headlands—the entrance to the Golden Gate. The Golden Gate Bridge is so close it’s as if you can touch it (instead, people do selfies). A small snapshot of the myriad offerings: Colorful duct tape drawings depicting airport security procedures pair with a neighboring circular installation of thousands of items confiscated by the TSA at San Francisco International Airport.

There’s also a giant gatelike structure glittering with gold-plated beads (four years in the making!). Don’t miss the Fort Scott Chapel, with its signature red steeple. Long closed to the public, it has re-opened for the exhibition, with an installation inside. The yellow faux stained glass (that would be plastic!) and weathered hardwood floor blend old-school ambience with avant-garde interpretation.

Home Land Security is free to visit. It runs until December 18, 2016, at Fort Winfield Scott at Langdon Court. Directions and parking. No dogs. Photos 1 (top), 4 & 5 (gallery) by Robert Divers Herrick. 

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe

    2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G

    View
  2. Mike Zakowski (aka Mike the Baker) standing in front of his wood-fire oven at the Sonoma Valley Farmers' Market

    NEW! Walkin' and Talkin': Break Bread, Go On a Panoramic Hike

    What’s a world-traveling, medal-winning baker’s favorite local hike? Weekend Sherpa co-founder Brad Day caught up with Mike Zakowski (aka Mike the Baker) at Sonoma’s Friday farmers' market, where his wood-fired loaves draw loyal crowds. Between bites of fresh-baked bread, they talk baking, travel, and why Sonoma's Overlook Trail is one of his favorite quick, panoramic hikes.

    View

  3. Big Burdell!

    If you’re gonna go big on a hike, make it at Marin County’s biggest open space preserve, Mount Burdell. And go to the summit. You’ll be sharing the trail with grazing cows, seasonal poppies, and beautiful birds on this 5-mile (round-trip) adventure.

    View

  4. H is for Hawk Hill

    After a nearly year-long closure, Hawk Hill in the legendary Marin Headlands recently emerged with a glow-up. Thank the hearty TLC from the National Park Service. This Golden Gate National Recreation Area gem now has a new trail along with revamped spaces for taking in timeless, grand views.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. People on ice learning to curl at Hollywood Curling

    You Go, Curl!

    Hollywood Curling’s Learn to Curl classes make the perfect setting for newcomers. Take the ice, and friendly curling instructors will teach you the basics.

    View

  2. Eat, Sleep, Beach, Repeat

    For an ultra-relaxing getaway where you can sit back and soak in some nature and nurture, head to Mendocino and follow this eat, beach, sleep, repeat itinerary (you won't regret it!) ...

    View

  3. This Skunk Doesn’t Stink!

    All aboard for a ride through history—and through air scented with redwood, dewy ferns, forest-fresh breeze, and a bonus snack and beverage bar, fire pit, and short hike. The World-Famous Skunk Train delivers in every category: scenery, greenery, and towering redwoods.

    View
  4. A woman standing at the pond's edge at Ernest B Debs Regional Park in Los Angeles. Trees are making reflections on the pond.

    Urban Oasis Loop

    Home to the city’s Audubon Center, Ernest E. Debs' 282-acre park features a robust network of hiking trails and surprising wildlife diversity. More than 140 bird species have been spotted here. Birdwatcher or not, this 2.5-mile route makes for a gorgeous outing.

    View