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May the Force be with you — because tucked inside San Francisco’s scenic Presidio, there’s a small (but legendary) bronze statue of Yoda, the Jedi Master from Star Wars. This unexpected landmark sits at the former Lucasfilm headquarters, known as the Letterman Digital Arts Center, and has become one of San Francisco’s most delightful pop-culture surprises.
It’s the kind of place that makes people stop, smile, and say, “Wait… San Francisco has this?” Below are 16 fun facts, a bit of history, and helpful visitor tips for seeing the iconic Yoda Fountain in person.
Sculpted by Lawrence Noble, the Yoda statue was commissioned to honor the creative legacy and influence of Lucasfilm in the film industry.
Cast entirely in bronze, Yoda’s calm expression and seated pose perfectly capture the Jedi Master’s wisdom.
The statue was installed in 2005 as part of the opening of the Letterman Digital Arts Center.
Lawrence Noble first worked with Lucasfilm in 1980, beginning a decades-long creative partnership.
Noble originally worked as an illustrator and transitioned into sculpture after being inspired by Yoda.
His first Yoda sculpture appeared in 1990 as a limited-edition piece for the Official Lucasfilm Fan Club.
The Yoda Fountain has become a favorite photo spot, adding a touch of Star Wars magic to the Presidio.
Similar Yoda sculptures by Noble exist at Lucasfilm locations worldwide, including Singapore and San Anselmo.
Yoda’s iconic green presence symbolizes wisdom and balance, quietly blending pop culture into a historic park.
The statue is located in a publicly accessible outdoor courtyard — no tickets required.
The sculpture sits within the 17-acre Lucasfilm campus, surrounded by trails, trees, and Presidio views.
Nearby, the Lucasfilm lobby features life-size figures of Darth Vader, Boba Fett, and more (weekday access varies).
The gentle sound of flowing water creates a surprisingly peaceful atmosphere around Yoda.
Every May 4th — “May the Fourth” — fans gather here to celebrate Star Wars Day.
The statue celebrates the intersection of art, storytelling, and George Lucas’s creative vision.
For Star Wars fans and curious travelers alike, this is one of SF’s most unexpected landmarks.
The Letterman Digital Arts Center is a working campus for film, animation, visual effects, and gaming technology.
Lawrence Noble’s admiration for Yoda helped shape his career as a sculptor.
The Presidio has appeared in countless films and TV shows, making it one of San Francisco’s most cinematic areas.
The Yoda Statue and Fountain are located at the Letterman Digital Arts Center inside the Presidio of San Francisco, at 1 Letterman Dr., San Francisco, CA 94129.
The courtyard is generally open to the public during normal business hours and is an easy, quick stop while exploring the Presidio.
If you’re visiting on a weekday, peek inside the Lucasfilm lobby (when accessible) to see additional Star Wars memorabilia and life-size character statues.
Source: Lucasfilm — History in Objects: The Yoda Fountain
Yes. The Yoda fountain is located in an outdoor courtyard at Lucasfilm’s Presidio campus and is generally open during normal business hours.
No tickets are required. The statue is free to visit.
You’ll find it at the Letterman Digital Arts Center in the Presidio, at 1 Letterman Dr., San Francisco.
Most visitors spend about 5–15 minutes enjoying the fountain and taking photos.
Yes, our private San Francisco Jeep Tours can include a quick stop at the Lucasfilm campus.
Bottom line: The Yoda statue is a short, memorable stop that blends pop culture with one of San Francisco’s most beautiful park settings.
