Iconic psychedelic bus from 1960s counterculture returns to San Francisco

The psychedelic-painted bus that became a symbol of 1960s American counterculture has made its way back to San Francisco six decades after its historic cross-country journey. The 'Furthur' bus, driven by Ken Kesey and his circle of companions during their 1964 expedition, played a pivotal role in popularising the emerging psychedelic movement across the United States.

The bus's return to San Francisco marks a significant moment for cultural preservation. Originally used as the mobile headquarters for Kesey's unconventional group of artists and thinkers, the vehicle witnessed the formative period of the counterculture movement as it travelled from coast to coast, introducing psychedelic art and ideology to audiences in multiple cities.

The bus now anchors a new exhibition celebrating the Grateful Dead, the influential band whose trajectory intersected with the counterculture movement that the 'Furthur' bus helped ignite. Alongside the bus, the exhibition will feature Jerry Garcia's BMW motorcycle, offering visitors a tangible connection to a transformative era in American cultural history.

Organisers have announced plans to undertake a comprehensive restoration of the vehicle, which has deteriorated significantly over the decades. The project aims to preserve the bus's historical integrity while preparing it for long-term display, ensuring that future generations can appreciate its role in documenting a pivotal chapter of American counterculture.