Ed Hardy’s Tattoo City to Close at the End of 2024
Ed Hardy’s Tattoo City, located in North Beach, San Francisco, will cease operations at the end of 2024. The closure is attributed to the health struggles of its founder, Don Ed Hardy, who is currently facing Alzheimer’s disease.
The Legacy of Don Ed Hardy
Born in 1945 in Des Moines, Iowa, and raised in Newport Beach, Don Ed Hardy is widely celebrated as a pioneer of modern tattoo artistry. He melded the traditional Sailor Jerry style with Japanese tattoo influences, establishing himself as a transformative figure in the tattoo revival movement. His artistry led to the launch of a clothing line associated with his name, which generated significant revenue at its peak, although it was not directed by Hardy himself.
A Storied Establishment
Hardy opened Realistic Tattoo Studio in the Mission District in 1974, which eventually became known as Ed Hardy’s Tattoo City. The studio relocated to its current location on Lombard Street in 1999 and has since remained a cornerstone of San Francisco’s tattoo culture.
Shop Announcement and Future Plans
The shop made the official announcement via Instagram, stating, “We are sad to announce that Tattoo City will be closing its doors at the end of 2024. With our founder Don Ed Hardy now dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and with his wonderful wife and long-time partner Francesca Passalaqua taking care of all their affairs, we have decided that the time has come for this part of San Francisco tattoo history to come to an end.”
A Community Farewell
While the news of the closing is disheartening, the shop’s management aims to turn the remaining months into a celebration of its vibrant history. The announcement encouraged patrons to visit, share their stories, and commemorate the legacy of this historic tattoo parlor before its doors close for the final time.
Visiting Ed Hardy’s Tattoo City
Located at 700 Lombard Street (at Mason Street), Ed Hardy’s Tattoo City is open daily from noon to 7 PM. Fans of the shop and its history are invited to make one last pilgrimage to the site that has been a significant part of tattoo culture in the region.
In Conclusion
Don Ed Hardy officially retired from tattooing in 2009, though he continued to mentor upcoming artists, including his son Doug, who is also an accomplished tattoo artist at the shop. As Tattoo City prepares for its closing, the legacy of Don Ed Hardy and the impact of his work on the tattoo world will undoubtedly endure.
