San Francisco Unveils “7X7” Rainbow Laser Celebration

On June 21, San Francisco’s Civic Center Plaza began lighting the sky with “7X7,” a public-art installation featuring 49 rainbow-colored laser beams—one for each square mile of the city. The beams will remain visible through July 4, shifting to the colors of the American flag on Independence Day. A complementary “Welcome” display runs along a 4.1-mile stretch of Market Street on June 27-28, billed as the world’s largest Pride flag of light. The lasers sit about ten feet above ground on a custom truss, allowing pedestrians to walk beneath the canopy.

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Earlier in July, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy issued a memo urging governors to remove rainbow Pride crosswalks and street-art installations to “improve mobility and safety on roadways.” While Florida and Texas have complied and states such as Idaho and Utah have extended bans to Pride flags on government buildings, most jurisdictions—including California—have resisted. Cities like Miami Beach, St. Petersburg and San Antonio have responded with alternative displays, and San Francisco’s mayor announced the laser project without addressing the memo directly.

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Mayor Daniel Lurie framed the project as a celebration of the city’s diversity, noting that the summer will host Pride, the Fourth of July and the World Cup. The San Francisco Recreation and Park Department’s general manager, Sarah Madland, emphasized the goal of creating free, accessible experiences that foster joy and connection in public spaces.

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• “As our city welcomes people from around the world this summer for Pride, July Fourth, and the World Cup, we are showing the creativity, energy, and spirit that make San Francisco the greatest city in the world,” — Daniel Lurie, Mayor of San Francisco

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• “We have always been a city that leads with our values, and we’re demonstrating that with this installation,” — Daniel Lurie, Mayor of San Francisco

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• “One of the things that makes San Francisco such a great place to live is that you can find moments of joy, beauty, and connection in our public spaces,” — Sarah Madland, General Manager, San Francisco Recreation and Park Department

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• “The beams change color across the run, shifting to rainbow hues during Pride Weekend and the colors of the American flag on July 4,” — Illuminate (organization’s website)

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