SF BART Transforms Stations Into Art Galleries

Four downtown SF BART stations display new escalator canopy art by local artists

BART Adds Art to Downtown SF Escalator Canopies

Four downtown San Francisco BART stations now feature original artwork by local artists on escalator canopies, transit officials announced November 7. The installations at Embarcadero, Montgomery, Powell, and Civic Center stations showcase designs by Apexer, Jeremy Novy, Sirron Norris, and Jet Martinez. The four downtown stations are among BART's busiest, serving thousands of daily commuters.

Art in Transit Program Context

The escalator canopy project is part of BART's Art in Transit program, established in 2011 to integrate public art throughout the transit system. Alicia Trost, Assistant General Manager of Communications, said the project transforms everyday commuter spaces into vibrant galleries that celebrate the local creative community. BART didn't disclose the project budget or artist compensation details. Transit agencies nationwide increasingly incorporate public art as a placemaking strategy that enhances rider experience and strengthens community connections.

Featured Artists and Locations

Each of the four artists created unique designs for their assigned downtown station's escalator canopies. The artwork was installed in November 2025, though specific installation dates for individual stations weren't provided. Details about how the artists were selected for the project weren't disclosed. The installations join numerous other public art pieces BART has featured throughout its 50-plus stations over the years as part of its sustained commitment to integrating art into transit infrastructure.

Implementation and Timeline

The artwork installations were completed in November 2025, according to transit officials. BART's Art in Transit program has featured rotating exhibitions and permanent installations since its establishment more than a decade ago. Officials said the escalator canopy project represents the agency's ongoing efforts to enrich the rider experience through public art.

Rider Impact and Information

The four downtown stations serve a significant portion of BART's approximately 400,000 average weekday riders system-wide. Commuters passing through Embarcadero, Montgomery, Powell, and Civic Center stations can now view the local artists' work during their daily travels. The installations provide Bay Area artists with exposure to thousands of daily transit users. Riders can check Moovit for real-time BART service information and trip planning to downtown San Francisco stations.