UCSF: New Mission Bay Mural Sends Message of Peace

An inspiring sight awaits patients, employees, learners and passers-by at the corner of Third Street and Mariposa on UCSF’s Mission Bay campus, where the “Block 34” parking structure sits.

The newly installed mural “Peace Piece” stretches over seven stories of the parking garage at this spot, and depicts a boy flying a kite decorated with a peace dove against a background of colorful, concentric circles. The image references a 2007 event where 100 Afghan street children flew kites adorned with doves and olive branches on a Kabul hilltop to mark the United Nations’ International Day of Peace. It also pays homage to American jazz pianist Bill Evans, who recorded a tune with the same name in 1958.

At 20 feet wide and 80 feet tall, the mural took several days to install, and spans from level 2 of the Block 34 Clinical Building parking garage to the top of the elevator shaft above level 9.

A symbol of our community’s hope for peace during these often-troubled times, the mural is meant to beautify and uplift all who view it. It was created by San Francisco artist Kota Ezawa, and is an extension of the Michael J. Bishop Art Collection, established by the chancellor emeritus and Nobel laurete at Mission Bay.