List of public art in Charlotte, North Carolina facts for kids
Public art is like an open-air museum! It's art that you can find in public places, like parks, streets, or outside buildings. It's there for everyone to enjoy, not just people who visit a museum. Charlotte, North Carolina has lots of amazing public art pieces. These artworks make the city more beautiful and interesting. They also tell stories about Charlotte's history and culture.
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Cool Artworks to Discover in Charlotte
Charlotte is home to many unique and impressive public art installations. Here are some you might want to check out!
The Firebird on the Arch
Imagine a giant, colorful bird made of shiny mosaics! That's L'oiseau de feu sur l'arche, which means The Firebird on the Arch. It was created in 1991 by an artist named Niki de Saint Phalle. This amazing sculpture stands over 17 feet tall. It's made from mosaic pieces on a strong steel frame. You can find this vibrant bird outside the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art in Charlotte. It's a really eye-catching piece that brings a lot of joy and color to the area.
Metalmorphosis
Get ready for a surprise with Metalmorphosis! This incredible sculpture was made by David Černý in 2011. It's not just a statue; it's a moving, transforming head! Made from stainless steel, this artwork is 30 feet tall and weighs 14 tons. It has many layers that can rotate and move, thanks to motors and a computer system. Sometimes, water even comes out of its mouth! You can see this fascinating, ever-changing sculpture at the Whitehall Corporate Center. It's a truly unique piece that will make you look twice.
Sight Unseen
Sight Unseen is a cool sculpture created in 2012 by the artists known as Living Lenses (Po Shu Wang and Louise Bertelsen). This artwork is made of shiny stainless steel and weighs about 1600 pounds. It's designed to make you think about things you can't always see, like sounds or invisible forces. You can find Sight Unseen at Midtown Park. It's a great spot to relax and enjoy some interesting art.
Flying Shuttles
At the Time Warner Cable Arena (now Spectrum Center), you'll find the impressive Flying Shuttles. This artwork was created by Andrew Leicester in 2005. It stands a massive 50 feet tall! The sculpture is made from a mix of materials, including ceramic tile, brick, concrete, and steel. It also has special lighting that makes it look even more amazing. The design might remind you of weaving shuttles, which were important in Charlotte's history as a textile city.
Queen Charlotte
Did you know Charlotte is named after a queen? The city is named after Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, who was the wife of King George III. At the Charlotte Douglas International Airport, you can see a grand bronze statue of her! This statue, simply called Queen Charlotte, was made by Raymond Kaskey in 1990. It stands 15 feet tall and weighs 2.5 tons. It's a beautiful tribute to the city's namesake and a welcoming sight for travelers.
Gold Miner
Charlotte and the surrounding area have a history with gold mining! The Gold Miner statue, created by Lorenzo Ghiglieri in 1991, celebrates this past. This bronze sculpture stands 68 inches tall. It shows a miner hard at work, reminding us of the people who helped build the region. You can see this historical artwork at the UNC Charlotte campus.
Reconstructed Dwelling
Reconstructed Dwelling is a fascinating and unusual sculpture by Dennis Oppenheim, created in 2007. This artwork looks like a house that has been taken apart and put back together in a new, artistic way. It's made from steel, wood, roofing material, and aluminum. The sculpture is quite large, standing 24 feet tall, 35 feet wide, and 40 feet deep! You can find this thought-provoking piece at the Tyvola Station on the LYNX Blue Line. It makes you think about what a "home" can be.
