Sometime during the past few centuries, one could argue that the knowledge and appreciation of art surpassed that of religion for the educated classes. Sure, people still associate and practice the many forms: Catholicism, Judaism, Islam, to name a few. But for many more, perhaps, it is art that they look upon religiously. And though commissioned public artwork has been part of our culture for centuries, it now seems more omnipresent than ever. The meaning and impact of a commissioned work can change the fabric of a street corner or city—think: Chicago’s famous Bean or New York’s iconic Knotted Gun. From the bustling streets of major U.S. cities to quieter corners of the globe in Howick, South Africa, and Las Colinas, Texas, Architectural Digest surveys 38 of the world’s most fascinating public sculptures. Each one responds to a cultural curiosity—a question that was asked by a group or city officials and answered by the artists.
Photo: Faina Gurevich/Alamy1/38Forever Bicycles in Austin, TexasAi Weiwei’s Forever Bicycles used to draw the eye in Waller Beach at Town Lake Metropolitan Park in Austin. This 3D sculpture was created from 1,200 bicycles, a vehicle the artist used throughout his childhood in Beijing to move throughout the city. This work representing childhood and freedom was not destined to stay in Austin forever: It was eventually taken down in May 2017, as the city was no longer able to fund the beloved installation.
Sometime during the past few centuries, one could argue that the knowledge and appreciation of art surpassed that of religion for the educated classes. Sure, people still associate and practice the many forms: Catholicism, Judaism, Islam, to name a few. But for many more, perhaps, it is art that they look upon religiously. And though commissioned public artwork has been part of our culture for centuries, it now seems more omnipresent than ever. The meaning and impact of a commissioned work can change the fabric of a street corner or city—think: Chicago’s famous Bean or New York’s iconic Knotted Gun. From the bustling streets of major U.S. cities to quieter corners of the globe in Howick, South Africa, and Las Colinas, Texas, Architectural Digest surveys 38 of the world’s most fascinating public sculptures. Each one responds to a cultural curiosity—a question that was asked by a group or city officials and answered by the artists.
- Photo: Faina Gurevich/Alamy1/38Forever Bicycles in Austin, TexasAi Weiwei’s Forever Bicycles used to draw the eye in Waller Beach at Town Lake Metropolitan Park in Austin. This 3D sculpture was created from 1,200 bicycles, a vehicle the artist used throughout his childhood in Beijing to move throughout the city. This work representing childhood and freedom was not destined to stay in Austin forever: It was eventually taken down in May 2017, as the city was no longer able to fund the beloved installation.Trending VideoArchitect Reveals Hidden Details of Washington, D.C.
Photo: Richard Brine/Getty Images2/38Singing Ringing Tree in Burnley, United KingdomCompleted in 2006, the Singing Ringing Tree is a 10-foot-tall sculpture meant to resemble the shape and grace of an actual tree. The structure, which was designed by artists Mike Tonkin and Anna Liu, was built using galvanized steel, and it was placed in such a way that when the wind rushes through, a song is produced. Located in the Pennine hill range overlooking Burnley, England, the sculpture won the National Award of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) in 2007.
Photo: Getty Images/Christina Horsten3/38Bridge Over Tree in Brooklyn, New YorkLocated in New York’s Brooklyn Bridge Park, Bridge Over Tree is a sculptural installation designed by Iranian-born and Minneapolis-based artist Siah Armajani. The work was first shown as a temporary sculpture in Minneapolis in 1970, and was again on view in 2019 for the first time in nearly 50 years. It comprises a 91-foot-long bridge and a set of stairs at the sculpture’s midpoint. These stairs send visitors up and down over a small evergreen tree. The sculpture was designed to force complete strangers to pass, interact, and cooperate with one another when passing the center of the structure. In a moment of heated political disagreement, finding common ground with any stranger is a welcome change.
Photo: Roman Belogorodov/Alamy Stock Photo4/38Ayrton Senna in Barcelona, SpainBrazilian-born Formula 1 driver Ayrton Senna was killed during a 1994 race in Italy. His funeral, which took place in São Paulo, is believed to be one of the largest recorded gatherings of mourners: An estimated 3 million people flocked to the streets of Senna’s hometown to pay their respects. A figure who always seemed larger than life, Senna is now memorialized in a sculpture in Barcelona. Created by British artist Paul Oz, the work of art was unveiled on May 8, 2019, marking the 25th anniversary of Senna’s death.
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Photo: JDwow/Getty Images5/38View TM in Sydney, AustraliaSince 1997, visitors to and residents of Sydney have enjoyed the annual event, Sculpture by the Sea. Located on the famous Bondi beach, the event features 100 sculptures by artists from around the world. Visitors to the public event will enjoy sculptures similar to the one above. View TM is a tongue-in-cheek comment on the vista from the top of a picturesque cliff.
Photo: Getty Images/kasto806/38The Statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree in Madrid, SpainLocated in central Madrid and designed by the Spanish sculptor Antonio Navarro Santafé, The Statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree is a 1967 work that represents Madrid’s coat of arms. The statue, located in a public square called Puerta del Sol, is made of stone and bronze, and it’s 13 feet tall.
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Photo: Philipp Zechner/Alamy Stock Photo7/38Ferrari statue in Imola, ItalyLocated some 25 miles east of Bologna, Italy, the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari is a racetrack near the Italian town of Imola. Although the racetrack is known for its many exciting races and the compelling statue outside it (pictured), it’s unfortunately also known as the place where internationally beloved Formula 1 driver Ayrton Senna died after a crash during a race.
Photo: Oli Scarff/Getty Images8/38Force of Nature in London, United KingdomForce of Nature, which is located in several major cities around the globe, was designed by Italian artist Lorenzo Quinn. He was inspired by the destruction brought on by hurricanes around the globe. Made from bronze, stainless steel, and aluminum, Force of Nature depicts Mother Nature hurling the planet in circles. The sculpture seen in the picture is located in London.
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Photo: Frank Bienewald/Getty Images9/38Statue of Franz Kafka in Prague, Czech RepublicDesigned by the Czech sculptor Jaroslav Róna, Statue of Franz Kafka is based on a scene from Kafka’s first novel, Amerika (1927), in which a political candidate is carried on the shoulders of a giant man during a rally. Located in Prague, the work of art was completed in 2003.
Photo: Courtesy of Bruno Catalano10/38Les Voyageurs in Marseille-Fos Port, FranceLes Voyageurs, by French artist Bruno Catalano, in Marseille, France, is an enigmatic sculpture thought to evoke memories and parts of themselves that every traveler inevitably leaves behind when they leave home for a new shore.
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Photo: Ferenc Isza/Getty Images11/38The Shoes on the Danube Bank in Budapest, HungaryCreated by Can Togay and Gyula Pauer, The Shoes on the Danube Bank in Budapest is a 2005 work that commemorates the hundreds of Hungarians who were ordered to leave their shoes on the bank of the river before they were shot during the Holocaust.
