GraceArts members receive free admission to 2000 Dragons. Join today!

Don’t miss the rare opportunity to see 2000 Dragons by the classic Bay Area artist and tattooist, Don Ed Hardy. This monumental 4’ x 500’ work was created in the year 2000 (a Dragon Year in the Asian zodiac, as is 2024!), and was a decisive turning point for Hardy, in both its scale and expansive gesture, as he had spent the previous four decades in near-daily practice with the obsessive precision of intaglio printmaking, lithography, tattooing, and careful watercolors. His goal to draw two thousand dragons with no preplanned composition freed Hardy to explore pure abstract elements along with recognizable forms.

Learn about the creation of 2000 Dragons.

Please note, the $12 counts towards your general admission cost. Along with viewing 2000 Dragons, you experience the interactive self-guided journey!

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long does it take to view 2000 Dragons?
  • At a glance, 2000 Dragons is a sprawling installation, but within every panel there is much to find and examine. Everyone experiences art at their own pace, but we estimate it would take 30–45 minutes to view the entire installation if you stop to really take in each panel. The interactive self-guided tour takes about 45 minutes – 1 hour to explore all of the iPads and other marvels of the cathedral. And no trip to Grace Cathedral is complete without a walk on the labyrinth!
• Is there a time limit?
  • There is much to see at Grace Cathedral and you can take all the time you need to get through it all! If you may need more time, we recommend coming in earlier in the day. The cathedral closes to sightseeing visitors at 5 pm.
• How can I confirm my ticket?
  • When you book your ticket, you’ll receive a confirmation email.
• How can I learn more about 2000 Dragons and the process?
  • You can learn more about the creation of 2000 Dragons in this write-up or there is a book available for purchase that details Hardy’s process and each panel can be viewed in detail.

Watch

Painting the 2000 Dragons Scroll from the film Don Ed Hardy: Tattoo the World

Event Details

On view from Saturday, April 27, to Monday, May 27, 2024, 10 am-5 pm. Admission to the exhibit includes a self-guided tour of the cathedral. Reserve your tickets here.

About the Artist

A Southern California native born in 1945, Don Ed Hardy completed a B.F.A. degree in printmaking at the San Francisco Art Institute. His focus is on painting, printmaking, and works in other media that have been exhibited in galleries and museums internationally. In addition to curating several shows, he has written and published more than thirty books on alternative art under the Hardy Marks imprint. Hardy’s various works form the basis of the global fashion line Ed Hardy, that became an international phenomenon. His life and works are documented in a variety of books and films. In addition to showing his own works, Hardy has curated a number of exhibitions for both galleries and nonprofit spaces and frequently lectures at museums and universities. His work has appeared in numerous periodicals, books, and films internationally. In 2000, he was appointed by Oakland Mayor Jerry Brown to that city’s Cultural Arts Commission and awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the San Francisco Art Institute. Hardy divides his time between his studios in Honolulu and in San Francisco.

Become a GraceArts Member

We offer a special cultural membership program, GraceArts, focused exclusively on the arts and well-being. GraceArts allows a wider community to belong to and support Grace, with discounts and benefits on a robust schedule of events, including our labyrinth walks. Learn more and join!