While it is rare for a real estate developer to be easily recognized by their moniker, Michael Shvo is an exception. With a distinct identity attached to four letters, Shvo is an art collector and developer whose newly renovated property is on a mission to redefine San Francisco’s urban culture.
In 2020, Shvo invested one billion dollars to renovate San Francisco’s iconic Transamerica Pyramid. The renovations were led by Foster + Partners, who revitalized the original design by William Pereira. Adding his own style into the mix, Shvo incorporated an art element into the renovations—Pyramid Arts, a program that rotates twice a year and debuted this past September with “Les Lalanne at Transamerica Pyramid Center,” an exhibition dedicated to the work of Claude and François-Xavier Lalanne, collectively known as Les Lalanne.
Shvo: The Art Collector
Shvo began collecting art in his early thirties, with his first acquisition being a Takashi Murakami print that he purchased for around $8,000 at a Phillips auction in the early 2000s. This purchase inspired Shvo’s passion for art collecting, ultimately leading him to explore more galleries and auctions to expand his collection. Believing art should be beautiful, evoke connection, and bring joy, he sought out art pieces that resonated with him. Other acquisitions include a Gene Davis painting and a Harry Bertoia sculpture. Over time, his collection expanded to include works by artists such as Andy Warhol, Tom Wesselmann, and François-Xavier Lalanne.
Having been fortunate enough to know and spend time with Claude Lalanne, this connection deepened his love for their artistry and allowed him to understand the thoughtfulness and joy Les Lalanne imbued in their pieces. For Shvo, “their work isn’t just art—it’s an experience that transcends time and trends.”
Transamerica Pyramid: From Visitor to Custodian
Shvo first visited the Transamerica Pyramid in 1979, drawing a picture of the building and hoping he would one day return to it—and he did. Forty years after his first visit, Shvo became the custodian of this San Francisco icon, which inspired one of his first exhibitions, “Pyramid Dreams,” in the newly renovated building.
The Transamerica Pyramid’s reopening is joined by Pyramid Arts, a new series of public art installations that celebrate innovation and creativity through art and architecture. The first two art exhibitions were curated by Lord Norman Foster: “The Vertical City,” a selection of Foster’s architectural achievements across skyscrapers, and “Les Lalanne,” an outdoor exhibition honoring the collective work of the two artists. Both exhibitions will run through April 2025.
Shvo shared that “collaborating with Lord Norman Foster to inaugurate Les Lalanne’s first outdoor exhibition in San Francisco was a harmonious fusion of art and architecture. Our shared vision was to reimagine the Transamerica Pyramid Center as a cultural landmark that integrates public art into its urban environment.”
“Les Lalanne” was co-organized with Kasmin Gallery and features over 20 major works by the artists. Their whimsical sculptures were carefully placed throughout the revitalized Redwood Park, creating a charming blend of nature and art for visitors to enjoy.
Redefining Urban Culture
Shvo stated, “Our vision for the program is to celebrate artists who were ahead of their time, much like the Transamerica Pyramid. For decades, the Pyramid has represented the spirit and resiliency of San Francisco, and we sought to curate an arts program that reflected the bold, innovative and creative legacy the iconic landmark has held.”
Many efforts were invested in the Transamerica Pyramid Center’s restoration in hopes of redefining the cultural heartbeat of the city, which is known for its rich artistic heritage and creative spirit. These renovations, particularly those of Redwood Park, seamlessly blend nature and art to offer a unique venue for public art installations and space for locals and visitors to connect with art meaningfully.
“Ultimately, I envision the Pyramid Arts program as a catalyst for cultural enrichment, making art accessible to everyone and inspiring the community to explore new possibilities,” shared Shvo.
