You don’t have to trek to a museum to see great art—often, you can find it outdoors. Public art allows everyone to experience the thrill of creative expression. From playful sculptures that interact with the environment to colorful mosaic staircases, these incredible displays brighten our world at large. And, best of all, you needn't go far to see these types of fantastic creations. Often, they're just beyond your doorstep. There are numerous pieces of public art in the U.S. that are just waiting for you to come and see them.
Public art isn’t limited to large metropolitan areas or museum-adjacent spaces. It can be in seemingly random or even isolated places. The Social Pool by artist Alfredo Barsuglia, for instance, is open to anyone who can find it. Currently, it’s in an undisclosed location in the Southern California desert. Barsuglia is vague about how to even get there, stating that it’s “several hours of driving from Los Angeles” and to visit it, you must be willing “to walk a long distance to reach the pool from the nearest road.” But among the sandy locale, its white, minimalist appearance looks like an oasis under the hot sun.
Get ready to pack your bags and take a “trip” to see spectacular works of public art in the U.S..
Chicago, Illinois
San Francisco, California
The 16th Avenue Steps by Aileen Barr and Colette Crutcher
Photo source: Yellofish
Read more: San Francisco’s Secret Mosaic Staircase
Baltimore, Maryland
Fort Smith, Arkansas
The Universal Chapel by Okuda
Read more: Street Artists Transform City in Arkansas Into Their Own Outdoor Art Gallery
Las Vegas, Nevada
Charlotte, North Carolina
Austin, Texas
Worthington, Ohio
Reston, Virgina
Reedsburg, Wisconsin
Birmingham, Alabama
LightRails by Bill FitzGibbons
Photo credit: REV Birmingham
Photo credit: REV Birmingham
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
New York City, New York
Casey, Illinois
World's Largest Rocking Chair Sculpture by Jim Bolin
Photo credit: turkishjim
Read more: Small Town Is Filled With Giant Sculptures of Everyday Objects
