Trips Places Foods Stories Newsletters
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...

No search results found for
“”

Make sure words are spelled correctly.

Try searching for a travel destination.

Places near me Random place

Popular Destinations

  • Paris
  • London
  • New York
  • Berlin
  • Rome
  • Los Angeles
Trips Places Foods Stories Newsletters
Sign In Join
Places near me Random place
All the United States California San Diego Space Invaders
Space Invaders is permanently closed.

This entry remains in the Atlas as a record of its history, but it is no longer accessible to visitors.

Space Invaders

The classic Atari game's iconic aliens have invaded downtown San Diego.

San Diego, California

Added By
jondi letnap
Email
Been Here
Want to go
Added to list
CAPTION
  jondi letnap / Atlas Obscura User
  jondi letnap / Atlas Obscura User
  jondi letnap / Atlas Obscura User
oh thank heaven   jondi letnap / Atlas Obscura User
died but respawed 3 feet higher   jondi letnap / Atlas Obscura User
  jondi letnap / Atlas Obscura User
  jondi letnap / Atlas Obscura User
  SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
  jondi letnap / Atlas Obscura User
game over for this invader   jondi letnap / Atlas Obscura User
Been Here
Want to go
Added to list

About

What began as an exhibit from the San Diego Museum of Contemporary Art in 2010 has become a modern-day scavenger hunt for 1980s gaming fans and treasure hunters alike.

The exhibition, entitled "Viva la Revolucion: A Dialogue with the Urban Landscape," included many leading street artists of the time, including the likes of graffiti master/OBEY creator Shepard Fairey and the French mosaic muralist "Invader."  

Invader is known worldwide for placing character tiles in downtown spaces on sides of buildings. San Diego is no exception, as Invader's work included 21 such creatures attached to structures throughout downtown.  Most of the mosaic Space Invaders still remain to this day in their original landing spots, though some have been removed, vandalized, or painted over across the years.

Several maps exist documenting the Invasion and it has become a kind of quirky treasure hunt around the urban landscape. Literally hidden in plain sight, one can walk by a tile creation hundreds of times without seeing the iconic character. But once you have seen one, you can't stop searching for them.

Related Tags

Hidden Art Aliens Video Games

Know Before You Go

Explore, search, find but do not destroy. These amazing works of Contemporary art should remain for generations to enjoy and appreciate!

Community Contributors

Added By

jondi letnap

Edited By

mothmvn, SEANETTA

  • mothmvn
  • SEANETTA

Published

February 12, 2018

Edit this listing

Make an Edit
Add Photos
Sources
  • https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=15T5RSV07iwOQHQemN9sucsyvk78&hl=en&ll=32.71323941599888%2C-117.15922750000004&z=15
  • http://www.thesecretspots.com/space-invader-san-diego-art-installation/
Space Invaders
200 Island Ave
San Diego, California
United States
32.710442, -117.162791
Visit Website
Get Directions

Nearby Places

San Diego Chinese Historical Museum

San Diego, California

miles away

Davis-Horton House

San Diego, California

miles away

Bum and Bobby

San Diego, California

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of San Diego

San Diego

California

Places 45
Stories 8

Nearby Places

San Diego Chinese Historical Museum

San Diego, California

miles away

Davis-Horton House

San Diego, California

miles away

Bum and Bobby

San Diego, California

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of San Diego

San Diego

California

Places 45
Stories 8

Related Places

  • Covington, Kentucky

    Clive

    He’s not from around here.

  • The mural in all its 8-bit glory

    Concord, New Hampshire

    Donkey Kong Mural

    A real-life hidden Easter Egg in New Hampshire's capital city

  • The Town Hall with the castle behind.

    Almansa, Spain

    Almansa Town Hall Sculpture Garden

    This impressive former palace contains a hidden gem for fans of modern sculpture.

  • In the arsenal.

    Mexico City, Mexico

    Museo Vivo del Muralismo (Live Museum of Muralism)

    The former headquarters of Mexico's Secretariat of Public Education now houses a muralism museum, including Diego Rivera's first large-scale mural project.

  • PA-03 up close, the oldest original invader.

    Paris, France

    Paris Space Invaders

    The video game-themed street art first popped up in the French city.

  • Inside the space.

    Alcoy, Spain

    Llotja de Sant Jordi

    This exhibition space designed to look like the skeleton of a whale is hidden underground.

  • Notice the magic carpet rider can be seen in the top right.

    New York, New York

    Flying Carpet Over Isfahan

    A controversial magical figure is hidden within a diorama of the city.

  • Los Angeles, California

    Japanese Cultural Village

    A fashion designer's dazzling world of Japanese collectibles is hidden in a warehouse downtown.

Aerial image of Vietnam, displaying the picturesque rice terraces, characterized by their layered, verdant fields.
Atlas Obscura Membership

Become an Atlas Obscura Member


Join our community of curious explorers.

Become a Member

Get Our Email Newsletter

Follow Us

Facebook YouTube TikTok Instagram Pinterest RSS Feed

Get the app

Download the App
Download on the Apple App Store Get it on Google Play
  • All Places
  • Latest Places
  • Most Popular
  • Places to Eat
  • Random
  • Nearby
  • Add a Place
  • Stories
  • Food & Drink
  • Itineraries
  • Lists
  • Video
  • Podcast
  • Newsletters
  • All Trips
  • Family Trip
  • Food & Drink
  • History & Culture
  • Wildlife & Nature
  • FAQ
  • Membership
  • Feedback & Ideas
  • Community Guidelines
  • Product Blog
  • Unique Gifts
  • Work With Us
  • About
  • FAQ
  • Advertise With Us
  • Advertising Guidelines
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Terms of Use
Atlas Obscura

© 2025 Atlas Obscura. All Rights Reserved.