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Berkeley Poetry Walk

A Berkeley sidewalk etched with 128 cast-iron poems.

Berkeley, California

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mmcphie
The Poetry Walk on Addison Street in Berkeley, California   mmcphie / Atlas Obscura User
Ina Coolbrith’s “Copa de Oro” on the Poetry Walk in Berkeley, California   mmcphie / Atlas Obscura User
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On an unassuming Berkeley, California, sidewalk, 128 cast-iron panels (each weighing 55 pounds) display a poem. Former U.S. poet laureate Robert Hass selected the 128 poems for the public art piece on Addison Street between Shattuck and Milvia.

Sponsored by the City of Berkeley Civic Arts, the Poetry Walk was created to help revitalize Berkeley's small downtown.

All of the poems have ties to Berkeley, such as a poem written by Ohlone Indians, the original inhabitants of this area of California, and a poem by Ina Coolbrith, the first poet laureate of California.

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Roadside Attractions Public Art Public Works Street Art Poetry

Know Before You Go

The Poetry Walk is installed on the sidewalk on Addison Street between Shattuck and Milvia and is free to view anytime.

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mmcphie

Published

April 15, 2025

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