Tucked inside the soaring atrium of the Hyatt Regency at Embarcadero Center, "Eclipse" is an awe-inspiring piece of public art that has become a signature of this iconic San Francisco hotel. Created by Charles O. Perry in 1973, "Eclipse" is a dazzling testament to both artistic and geometric ingenuity. The sculpture’s form—a pentagonal dodecahedron—features 12 five-sided faces, yet the most striking aspect is the way these faces spiral outward, creating a mesmerizing illusion of motion. Composed of 1,440 interlacing, gold-colored aluminum tubes, the structure gleams as natural light floods the expansive lobby, reflecting the dynamic energy of the city that surrounds it.
This kinetic masterpiece not only serves as a focal point within the Hyatt’s cavernous, Brutalist-style atrium but also plays a subtle role in shaping the visual and architectural experience of the space. The atrium, designed by famed architect John Portman, is one of the largest in the world, spanning 17 stories high. Perry’s "Eclipse" complements the verticality of Portman’s design, drawing the viewer’s eye upward while grounding the expansive void of the lobby with its intricate, interlocking form. The golden tones and sleek aluminum finish of "Eclipse" beautifully contrast the stark concrete and glass backdrop, offering an organic, flowing shape amid the angular, modernist surroundings.
For art enthusiasts, "Eclipse" is a must-see when visiting San Francisco’s Embarcadero. The sculpture epitomizes the spirit of mid-century modernism, blending artistic expression with mathematical precision, and continues to captivate both hotel guests and design aficionados from around the world.
