Outdoor art exhibits enhance their surroundings, whether by livening up a dull space or providing a focal point for the local community. Some can be appreciated simply for their form, color, or style, while others are designed to provoke discussion and debate. Here are some of our favorites, the ones we’d consider the best outdoor art exhibits to visit in the U.S.
Graft - Washington DC
Nature often provides inspiration for some of the most powerful works of art. That’s certainly the case with Graft, part of artist Roxy Paine’s Dendroid collection. This sculpture takes the form of a bare winter tree. Washington DC might be the last place you’d expect to commune with nature, but this sculpture — which can be found in the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden — helps bridge the gap between glittering city life and the gentle curves of nature. Graft’s stainless steel surface catches the light, and its skeletal outline has a simple yet arresting beauty. But look more closely and you’ll see that it’s a tree of two halves: one gnarly and twisted, the other straighter as it reaches for the sky. The name “graft” comes from the horticultural practice of connecting two plant specimens together, but you can apply this concept of artificial engineering to many other situations.
Austintatious - Austin, Texas
This colorful mural has graced the wall on the corner of 23rd and Guadalupe Street near the University of Texas since 1974. Austintatious depicts a curved Austin skyline centered around the city’s namesake Stephen F. Austin, who is holding an armadillo. Over time, the mural has suffered from the elements and been the target of vandalism, but the original artists have reconvened to repair – and update – their famous work, keeping it on display for tourists and local Austinites alike.
The Neon Museum - Las Vegas, Nevada
Fans of graphic art won’t be able to resist this cool museum in downtown Las Vegas. The museum’s outdoor exhibition space, affectionately known as the Neon Boneyard, is crowded with more than 250 rescued signs. Each evening as the sun sets, the lights are switched on so that these vintage works of art can shine once more. Be sure to book a tour to learn more about their history. You can also see restored neon signage at a number of locations outside the museum, including iconic pieces such as the Silver Slipper and the Hacienda Horse and Rider.
Pappajohn Sculpture Park - Des Moines, Iowa
This 4.4-acre sculpture park, an extension of the Des Moines Art Center, opened in 2009. The work of many talented international and American artists is on display, including LOVE by Robert Indiana, a modern art icon; Nomade by Spaniard Jaume Plensa, which turns what seem like random letters into a cohesive work of art; and Three Dancing Figures, Version C by Keith Haring, whose simplicity and bold use of color lifts the spirits. Free guided tours can be arranged in advance, but there’s a downloadable guide you can use if you prefer to explore Pappajohn at your own pace.
Mural - Monterey California
Multiple tiles come together to create a fabulous mural chronicling the history of Monterey, California. The artist, Guillermo Wagner Granizo, drew on the vibrant colors of Latin American art to illustrate events and people of significance, including members of the indigenous Rumsen tribe and the founding of Monterey’s mission by Junípero Serra in 1770. Notable Monterey figures Bing Crosby, Samuel Morse (Del Monte), and John Steinbeck are pictured in a hot air balloon, looking down over the city. If you’re keen to get a crash course in Monterey’s history, start on the left-hand side – the mural runs chronologically towards the right.
Venice Public Art Walls - Los Angeles, California
The work of graffiti and street artists is celebrated beside the ocean in Venice Beach at the Venice Public Art Walls. This Los Angeles neighborhood is known for its creative vibe, and thanks to this initative, all contributors need to do is supply the paint and their free time. The Setting the Pace Foundation oversees the project and helps run workshops and mentoring programs. Just down the coast, you’ll find more street art in Santa Monica. More than 150 striking murals cover walls, doors, and stairwells of places such as hotels, retailers, parking lots, public buildings, and even the pier.
Bruce Munro’s Field of Light - Various Locations
Artist Bruce Munro is British, but his work has been showcased all over the U.S. and beyond. He’s best known for his ambitious light installations, using color and the surrounding landscape to create displays that have extraordinary impact. He has a semi-permanent exhibition, Light at Sensorio, in Paso Robles, California. Highlights of the installation include Field of Light, a walk-through landscape of stemmed spheres, and Light Towers, which is formed of more than 17,000 recycled wine bottles. Currently, you can also see his work in Nashville, while a future exhibition is scheduled for New York.
