Pier 39
Fisherman’s Wharf
Guardians of the Gate by Miles Metzger
Metzger attended Denver University and the Instituto de Allende in Mexico.
Guardians of the Gate, which depicts a “nuzzling” male and female with a pup, was created in 1990 and cast in Everdur bronze in 1991. Metzger considers the sculpture one of his favorite pieces. He said of his work: “(My) sculptures mean to inspire, encourage and appreciate humanity and the natural world. The family (of sea lions) seemed such a beautiful, emotional moment.” Metzger claims he knew that sea lions would be the subjects of his work upon learning the statue had been commissioned by the pier’s owner. In 2012, he said of the sculpture’s prominent placement: “I’ve been told by many people it is (one of the) most photographed pieces of sculpture in the United States. It’s so populated in that particular spot. Everybody sees that piece. It’s one of those places where you can sit on the sculpture and get your picture taken.”
Guardians of the Gate is administered by Pier 39 Limited Partnership Beach Street and the Embarcadero Center.
He has captured the essence of sea lions.
Such sweetness captured in this sculpture — I just want to hug them!