
A neighborhood institution creating space to honor the human journey
The purpose of the San Francisco Contemplarium is to create space in our neighborhoods to honor the human journey. We offer regular neighborhood rituals, physical installations, and lay support for neighbors to dignify life’s joys, sorrows, and transitions with the respect and care they deserve. Our work is powered by community volunteers – the Neighborhood Flamekeepers – who continuously develop skills of presence, ritual, and accompaniment while supporting each other.
We focus on the neighborhood as the primary locus of belonging, piloting this approach in the greater Hayes Valley area with plans to expand throughout San Francisco.. Our participants span generations and backgrounds, reflecting our neighborhood’s diversity. Our vision is a city where everybody's humanity is honored through accessible spiritual infrastructure woven into the fabric of daily life.