Fueled by dialogue with the community, The Friends of Harvey Milk Plaza worked with landscape architecture firm SWA to develop a vision for the new plaza.

Visitors to the Memorial at Harvey Milk Plaza will enter a vibrant public square that will invite them to ascend the Pedestal to survey the historic intersection of Castro & Market Streets with the large Rainbow Flag and the hills of Twin Peaks at their backs.

As they walk the grounds – neighbors, transit riders and tourists alike will have the chance to learn about Harvey, be inspired by his story, and feel his call to action:

“My name is Harvey Milk—and I want to recruit you!”

– Harvey Milk

 
 

ACTION

The Pedestal highlights the history of collective action that has occurred at the intersection of Castro and Market. It provides a focal point for large gatherings and represents Harvey’s idea that leadership arises from the community – anyone can stand on the Pedestal and call for action.

Photo courtesy of GLBT Historical Society.

“Rights are won only by those who make their voices heard.”

– Harvey Milk

VISIBILITY

The Beacon is a symbol of a dynamic, beating heart—it’s a recruitment center, an activist news feed, and an ode to Harvey, all in one. This digital monument tells the story not only of Harvey Milk, but of the Castro’s history, of queer culture, and of the victories and ongoing struggles of the movement. The panels of various sizes–some of which are digital display panels–will reference historic and contemporary protest signs.

“All I ask is for the movement to continue.”

–Harvey Milk

HOPE

The Grove is a quiet contemplative place evoking Hope – the part of the Harvey Milk story that touches many of us deeply. We are creating a beautiful park setting that will encourage everyone to reconnect with the tiny piece of hope that each of us carries within ourselves.

“You cannot live on hope alone, but without it, life is not worth living.”

–Harvey Milk

Voices of the community

The Gallery is an indoor space on the concourse level of Castro Muni Station that will amplify the voices of the community by providing a flexible area for permanent and rotating art exhibits that reflect the current social justice priorities of the day. The exhibitions are intended to celebrate activism – both Harvey's activism and the story of activism in the city and will be curated in partnership with fellow community organizations. Daylight streams into the space through the Oculus, which also provides visitors a view of the Rainbow Flag through the opening. Under the skylight, visitors will be enveloped by the sound of Harvey’s voice and the voices of the community echoing his message of hope.

“Harvey Milk, circa 1977” Copyright 1978 by Dan Nicoletta

“It’s not my victory, it’s yours and yours and yours. If a gay can win, it means there is hope that the system can work for all minorities if we fight. We’ve given them hope.”

–Harvey Milk