From the "Gold Rush" of the 19th century to the great social and political movements of the 20th century, California and San Francisco in particular have always stood for the dreams of a "better life": dreams of prosperity and abundance, of other (sometimes utopian) social orders, innovative lifestyles, creative artistic perspectives, and new technological horizons. Today, the Silicon Valley embodies this "Californian" dream.

With artworks and historical artefacts from numerous Californian and European collections, this exhibition draws a multifaceted portrait of the city of San Francisco over four centuries. It touches upon important global issues of our time, especially those of migration and displacement.

Time and again, global impulses have emerged from San Francisco and it celebrates San Francisco as a place whose pluralistic identity is constantly being renegotiated to this day.