The Golden Gate Bridge, an iconic symbol of San Francisco and a marvel of modern engineering, is instantly recognizable by its striking color. But if it’s called the Golden Gate Bridge, why is it painted a vibrant shade of orange-red? This intriguing question has captivated visitors and locals alike for decades. The answer lies not in a desire for a golden hue, but in a thoughtful and aesthetically driven decision by the consulting architect, Irving F. Morrow. Let’s delve into the fascinating story behind the Golden Gate Bridge’s distinctive “International Orange” color.
The Accidental Inspiration: From Primer to Prominent Feature
The story of the Golden Gate Bridge’s color begins unexpectedly with a practical necessity: primer. When Bethlehem Steel fabricated the massive steel components for the bridge in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, they coated them with a red lead primer to prevent rust during shipping and construction. As the bridge’s towers began to ascend against the San Francisco skyline, this initial red hue caught the eye of Irving F. Morrow, the consulting architect on the project.
Morrow, who commuted to the construction site by ferry from his home in the East Bay, was deeply impressed by the visual impact of the red primer. He recognized the potential of color to dramatically influence the bridge’s appearance and its relationship with the surrounding environment. This accidental encounter with the red primer sparked a series of color studies that would ultimately define the Golden Gate Bridge’s enduring aesthetic.
Beyond Red: The Deliberate Choice of International Orange
Morrow didn’t simply settle for the red primer color. He embarked on a comprehensive exploration of color palettes, carefully considering how different hues would interact with the unique setting of the Golden Gate Strait. He understood that the bridge’s color was not just a superficial detail, but a critical element in its visual integration with the natural landscape.
In his 1935 “Report on Color and Lighting,” Morrow articulated his fundamental approach: “Preliminary to discussion of particular colors, a decision must be made on a matter of policy – is it desired to emphasize the bridge as an important feature of the landscape, or to make it as inconspicuous as possible.” For Morrow, the answer was clear: the color should celebrate the bridge as a prominent landmark while harmonizing with its surroundings.
Morrow’s color studies went beyond simply considering “red.” He evaluated a range of options, including black, grey, aluminum, and various shades of orange and vermillion. Black was quickly dismissed as unattractive and likely to visually diminish the bridge’s scale. Aluminum, while touted by some for its modern beauty reminiscent of airships, was rejected by Morrow for making the towers appear insubstantial and diminutive. Battleship grey and warm grey were also considered, with warm grey emerging as a distant second choice to what would become “International Orange.”
The selection of “International Orange” was a deliberate and informed decision. This particular shade, already in use within the aerospace industry for its high visibility and ability to stand out against various backgrounds, possessed a unique quality. It’s similar to safety orange but richer, deeper, and with a more reddish undertone. This color resonated with Morrow because it struck a perfect balance: it was vibrant enough to command attention yet possessed a warmth that allowed it to blend seamlessly with the natural color palette of the San Francisco Bay Area.
A Symphony of Color: Nature and the Bridge
The genius of “International Orange” lies in its remarkable ability to complement the ever-changing environment of the Golden Gate. Morrow astutely observed how the color harmonized with the nearby hills and provided a striking contrast against the often-present ocean fog and the deep blue of the sky. As he noted, “The effect of International Orange is as highly pleasing as it is unusual in the realm of engineering.”
Throughout the year, the hills surrounding the Golden Gate undergo seasonal transformations, shifting from verdant greens in the spring to golden browns in the summer and fall. International Orange beautifully complements these changes, creating a visual synergy between the man-made structure and its natural backdrop. The color appears to shift and adapt with the light and weather, sometimes appearing more orange, sometimes more red, but always retaining its captivating presence.
The choice of International Orange also subtly reinforces the Art Deco design theme that Morrow brought to the bridge. While the color itself isn’t strictly Art Deco, its boldness and visual impact align with the movement’s emphasis on strong lines, geometric forms, and striking visual statements.
Morrow refined the bridge’s aesthetic beyond color, influencing elements like the streamlined railings, the angled light posts, and the vertical ribbing on the towers – all contributing to its iconic Art Deco form. The color and design work in tandem to create a bridge that is not only structurally impressive but also a visually stunning work of art.
Illuminating the Icon: Lighting Design in Harmony with Color
Morrow’s attention to detail extended beyond color to the bridge’s lighting scheme. In his “Report on Color and Lighting,” he emphasized the need for a lighting design that respected the “enormous size” and “tremendous scale and dignity” of the Golden Gate Bridge. He sought a lighting approach that would further enhance the bridge’s unique character without resorting to garish or overly dramatic effects.
For the roadway lighting, Morrow selected low-pressure sodium vapor lamps, which emitted a subtle amber glow. This choice was deliberate, providing warm, non-glare illumination for motorists while complementing the warm tones of the International Orange paint. He avoided harsh white lights, understanding that a softer, warmer light would be more in keeping with the bridge’s overall aesthetic and the surrounding environment.
While the original low-pressure sodium lamps were later replaced with more energy-efficient high-pressure sodium lamps, the amber lens was retained to maintain the original warm glow that Morrow envisioned. Even the tower lighting, added later, was designed to subtly accentuate the bridge’s height and form without overpowering its presence in the night sky. The lighting, like the color, was carefully considered to enhance, not detract from, the bridge’s inherent beauty.
The Formula for Forever: Maintaining International Orange
The Golden Gate Bridge’s International Orange is not just a generic paint color; it’s a precisely formulated and consistently maintained hue. The Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District has meticulously preserved the original color formula over the years. This commitment to color consistency ensures that every repaint maintains the bridge’s iconic appearance.
While the exact formula is publicly available, achieving the true “Golden Gate Bridge International Orange” requires adherence to specific mixing standards and quality control. Currently, Sherwin Williams supplies the paint for the bridge, custom-mixed to match the official formula. This dedication to color accuracy extends to rigorous testing using ASTM standards to ensure color tolerance and consistency.
For those seeking to replicate the color, readily available color codes offer close approximations, including Sherwin Williams’ “Fireweed” and Pantone shades like PMS 173 and PMS 174. The CMYK values (Cyan: 0%, Magenta: 69%, Yellow: 100%, Black: 6%) also provide a precise digital representation of the color.
Conclusion: A Color Story of Vision and Harmony
So, why is the Golden Gate Bridge “red”? The answer is richer and more nuanced than a simple color choice. It’s a story of accidental inspiration, deliberate artistic vision, and a deep understanding of how color can shape our perception of a landmark. Irving F. Morrow’s selection of International Orange was a masterstroke, transforming a functional structure into a breathtaking work of art that harmonizes with its stunning natural setting. The Golden Gate Bridge isn’t golden in color, but it is undeniably golden in its iconic status, thanks in no small part to its unforgettable “red” hue.
