All around the world, you’ll find breathtaking, iconic and even quirky pieces of art in parks and public spaces. These sculptures, statues and murals may have very different meanings, but they sit in the public for all to enjoy. From famous installations like the reflective Cloud Gate in Chicago’s Millennium Park to off-the-beaten-path sculptures like the car-snatching Fremont Troll under a Seattle bridge, public art can bring a bit of inspiration, awe and light-hearted fun to your travels.
Europe’s long history of government-funded public art has led to a large collection of both old and new art installations throughout the region. Architect Antoni Gaudi’s eclectic and ornamental designs have left a trail of what could be considered public art all across Barcelona, while London’s Trafalgar Square is home to both permanent pieces and a rotating arsenal of contemporary art installations.
Take a look at some interesting and iconic pieces of public art from around the world with this photo tour.
(Main image: Kumar Appaiah used under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike license)