This week, a massive light installation is returning to San Francisco’s iconic Grace Cathedral. Large-scale laser cannons will shine through the cathedral’s beautiful stained-glass windows, and admission is free.
Grace Window September 2026
Starting September 21, local art nonprofit Illuminate will install 25 large-scale lasers on the roof of the Fairmont Hotel, shining through Grace Cathedral’s Rose Window. The laser cannons will be visible from both outside and inside the cathedral, making a beautiful public art installation incorporating two historic SF landmarks on Nob Hill.
The installation will only run for five nights, ending on September 25. The lasers will run from sunset to sunrise each night, and Grace Cathedral will be open to the public each night from 8 pm to midnight. Composer Tim Weed will lead live, improvised music inside the cathedral to accompany the light show. There’s no ticket is required to enter Grace Cathedral; simply walk in anytime between 8 and midnight to enjoy the beautiful light show.
Illuminate is responsible for many major installations in the city, notably The Bay Lights, which were reinstalled earlier this year.
About Grace Cathedral
Grace Cathedral is an iconic San Francisco landmark perched on Nob Hill. Construction on the cathedral started almost 100 years ago, and the chapel officially opened in 1930. Aside from its spiritual services, the cathedral regularly hosts community events such as weekly yoga and various artistic experiences. If you love the temporary laser installation next week, the Cathedral also hosts a light show, AURA: An Immersive Odyssey of Breathtaking Proportions, which features large-scale projections inspired by the architecture, accompanied by an original score.