The iconic Bay Bridge lights display, which went dark last March, is set to shimmer once more starting early spring 2025, thanks to over $10 million in private funding. Nonprofit organization Illuminate announced Thursday that the 1.8-mile-long Bay Lights installation will be revived, bringing back its enchanting glow to the San Francisco skyline.
San Francisco Mayor London Breed expressed her excitement in a statement: "The Bay Lights have created magic in our City, and it is fantastic news that this project will have renewed life spanning our beautiful bay. This city is experiencing a resurgence of joy, and organizations like Illuminate and projects like The Bay Lights are helping to enliven our city and inspire our residents and visitors. I want to thank Illuminate for their work to lift up our city, as well as all the philanthropists who helped to make this project a reality."
Illuminate revealed that the $10 million in private funding was raised through contributions ranging from $1 to $1 million. The nonprofit chose not to accept city funding or corporate sponsorship for the revival of the installation.
To cover the final $1 million needed for the $11 million project, Illuminate has launched a crowdfunding campaign.
"We salute the Bay Area philanthropists – big and small – who joined in this important effort," said Illuminate CEO and Chief Visionary Officer Ben Davis. "There’s been a hole in San Francisco since we turned off the lights last March. We are thrilled to announce their return."
The new display will feature approximately 50,000 LED lights, doubling the number of the original installation, and will be visible from both sides of the bridge's western span.
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