Little volunteers of the Internet Archive.

Ceramic Congregation: Internet Archive

San Francisco, California

Next time you watch an online video or download a concert from the Internet Archive, try to visualize the location of its servers: wall niches in an old Christian Scientist temple. The non-profit organization bought the eclectic building in 2009.

The strangest aspect of the location is its inhabitants. The side pews in the Great Room are filled with scores of ceramic 1/2 scale likenesses of actual archive helpers who have volunteered at least 3 years. Artist Nuala Creed creates the painted, lifelike renditions, a project imagined by archive founder Brewster Kahle and inspired by China's terra cotta army.

Don't plan to just show up at the Archive and demand to sit among the homunculi. You either need to be a volunteer yourself (a worthy pursuit) or visit during an event (they have about 12 a year) when the Great Room is open.

Ceramic Congregation: Internet Archive

Address:: 300 Funston Ave., San Francisco, CA
Directions:: Presidio and Clement St. Old Fourth Church of Christ, Scientist building. Parking along Funston and Clement.
Hours:: Open for special events. (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:: 415-561-6767
RA Rates:: Worth a Detour

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