San Francisco, California: El Rey, Giant Olmec Head
Carved replica of an ancient Olmec head from Mexico is one of four in the United States. Officially named "El Rey," it's nine feet tall and weighs 14 tons.
City College of San Francisco
- Address:
- 50 Phelan Ave., San Francisco, CA
- Directions:
- City College of San Francisco. The head is located between the Creative Arts Building and the Diego Rivera Theater in the Freda Khalo Garden at the City College of San Francisco campus.
Visitor Tips and News About El Rey, Giant Olmec Head
Reports and tips from RoadsideAmerica.com visitors and Roadside America mobile tipsters. Some tips may not be verified. Submit your own tip.
The giant Olmec head, "El Rey," San Lorenzo #1 was carved by Ignacio Perez Solano, also know as "il Maestro." The head is an accurate reproduction of the original piece from San Lorenzo in Veracruz, Mexico. The 3,000 year old original basalt head is believed to be a portrait of a ruler from this ancient civilization. The stone originated some 50 miles from where the statue was discovered.
The piece was given to the college in 2004 by then Vera Cruz Governor Miguel Alemán Velazco. It was the first of four such sculptures distributed as gifts in the U.S.
[Phil Pasquini, 12/16/2009]Nearby Offbeat Places
Mini-Pacifica Statue, Diego Rivera Mural, San Francisco, CA - < 1 mi.
St. Francis Made of Melted Guns, San Francisco, CA - < 1 mi.
Cayuga Park Folk Art - Demetrio Braceros, San Francisco, CA - < 1 mi.Latest Tips Across Roadside America
Catch up on the latest discoveries from the road.
Explore Thousands of Oddball Tourist Attractions!
Unique destinations in the U.S. and Canada are our special obsession. Use our attraction recommendation and maps to plan your next road trip.
