Public art has been around for centuries, but it has only recently come under the spotlight and garnered the attention of the public. Throughout the world, public art projects have sought to inspire, engage, entertain, and educate the public. It has even been used to promote certain beliefs and values as well as to provoke social change.
From monuments to sculptures, murals, and street art, public art projects can bring remarkable visual beauty and creativity to any city or town, often turning it into a tourist destination. In this article, we will explore 10 of the most fascinating public art projects around the world.
The London Eye
The London Eye is an iconic 135-metre-high Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames, in London, England. It was constructed in 1999 and opened to the public in 2000. The London Eye is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city, with up to 3.75 million visitors each year. While some visitors might be drawn to the structure’s sheer size and design, the London Eye is more than just a giant wheel – it’s also a public art project. The Ferris wheel is designed to resemble a traditional clock, while its pods are designed to look like giant eye balls. The London Eye also features stunning views of the city skyline, which can be admired from the onboard pod experience.
The Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is one of the most iconic public art projects in the world. It is a gift from the people of France to the people of the United States, and was dedicated in 1886. The Statue of Liberty stands 93 metres tall at the entrance of New York Harbor, and symbolizes freedom and democracy. It is also a powerful symbol of friendship between the two countries.
The Christ the Redeemer Statue
The Christ the Redeemer statue is a huge 30-metre-high art deco sculpture located at the peak of Corcovado Mountain in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It was completed in 1931 and is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. Christ the Redeemer is considered one of the most significant works of public art in the world. It was designed by Polish-French sculptor Paul Landowski and was funded by donations from the Brazilian people.
The Angel of the North
The Angel of the North is a 20-metre-high sculpture located in Gateshead, England. It was constructed in 1998 and has since become an iconic symbol of the region. It was designed by the British artist Antony Gormley and is considered one of the most successful public art projects in the UK. The Angel of the North has been hailed as a timeless symbol of hope and strength, connecting people to the past while looking to the future.
The Chicago Picasso
The Chicago Picasso is a 32-metre-high steel sculpture located in the heart of the city, in Daley Plaza. It was unveiled in 1967, and it immediately became a symbol of Chicago’s architectural identity. The sculpture was inspired by the cubist work of Spanish artist Pablo Picasso and has become an iconic landmark.
The Monument to the Discoveries
The Monument to the Discoveries is a 52-metre-tall reinforced concrete sculpture located in Belém, Portugal. It was designed by the renowned architect Fernando Távora, and it commemorates the 500th anniversary of the death of Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama. The monument features stone carvings of famous explorers and navigators who contributed to the Age of Discoveries, such as Ferdinand Magellan, Bartolomeu Dias, and Prince Henry the Navigator.
The Mermaid of Copenhagen
The Little Mermaid of Copenhagen is a statue located at the waterfront in the capital city of Denmark. It was created by sculptor Edvard Eriksen and was unveiled in 1913. The statue is a tribute to Hans Christian Andersen, who wrote the fairy tale The Little Mermaid, and it has become an iconic symbol of the city. The sculpture is often visited by tourists, who flock to the iconic landmark to take photos.
The Awakening
The Awakening is a 6.1-metre-high bronze sculpture located in National Harbor, Maryland, United States. It was created by the sculptor J. Seward Johnson, Jr. and was installed in 1980. The sculpture depicts a giant figure emerging from the ground and has become an iconic symbol of the city. It is a popular tourist attraction, and it has become the centerpiece of the National Harbor.
The Mihai Eminescu Statue
The Mihai Eminescu Statue is a 8.5-metre-high bronze sculpture located in Iași, Romania. It was designed by sculptor Ion Jalea and was installed in 1897. The sculpture is a tribute to Mihai Eminescu, one of Romania’s most celebrated poets and writers. It is considered to be an important symbol of the city and has become an iconic landmark.
The Gates of Paradise
The Gates of Paradise is a 44-metre-high sculpture located in Florence, Italy. It was created by the renowned Italian artist Lorenzo Ghiberti and was installed in 1425. The structure is a tribute to the city’s patron saint, and it is considered to be one of the most important and beautiful artworks of the Renaissance period. It is a popular tourist attraction and has been hailed as a symbol of the city’s art and culture.
Public art projects can be found all over the world, and they are often a source of inspiration, creativity, and amazement. From towering monuments to sculptures, murals, and street art, these works of art can transform any city or town into a vibrant tourist destination. As this article has demonstrated, there are many fascinating public art projects around the world, each unique in its own way. Every town, city, or country has something special to offer, so take some time to explore and appreciate the public art near you.
