Public Art "Urban Light" — Attraction in Los Angeles

Urban Light" is one of the most iconic pieces of public art in Los Angeles. Created by artist Chris Burden, this remarkable installation is located at the entrance of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) on Wilshire Boulevard.

Unveiled in 2008, "Urban Light" consists of 202 restored cast-iron street lamps that once illuminated the streets of Southern California in the 1920s and 1930s. Each lamp was carefully collected by Burden from auctions and flea markets, meticulously restored, and painted in a uniform gray to highlight their unique architectural details.

The layout of the lamps forms an elegant yet slightly irregular grid, offering viewers shifting perspectives depending on where they stand. This interplay of symmetry and depth creates stunning visual effects, making it a favorite spot for photographers and filmmakers alike.

At night, "Urban Light" comes to life. The lamps are powered by solar energy and glow softly from dusk until 10 PM, creating a magical atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and modern. This sustainable feature also symbolizes the fusion of historic preservation with contemporary environmental consciousness.

More than just an artwork, "Urban Light" has become a cultural landmark and a beloved meeting point in Los Angeles. It draws both locals and tourists, inviting them to interact, reflect, and capture memorable moments.

For anyone visiting Los Angeles, especially art enthusiasts and lovers of urban culture, a stop at "Urban Light" is absolutely essential. Best of all, it’s accessible 24 hours a day, allowing visitors to experience its charm anytime,...

Urban Light (2008) is a large-scale assemblage sculpture by Chris Burden located at the Wilshire Boulevard entrance to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). The 2008 installation consists of restored street lamps from the 1920s and 1930s. Most of them once lit the streets of Southern California.1Urban Light is composed of 202 street lamps arranged in a near grid. The lamps mostly came from the streets of Southern California, including Hollywood, Glendale, and Anaheim, with some from Portland, Oregon. There are 16 different streetlight models represented, many of which were commissioned for particular neighborhoods and streets.3] The Broadway Rose, the largest and most ornate of the models, is represented by six lamps. The style was found in downtown Los Angeles; a few can still be seen on Sixth Avenue between Olive and Flower Streets.[4] The sculpture's glass globes are of three general shapes: round, acorn, and cone. The 309 LED bulbs are solar powered and switch on from dusk until dawn, governed by an astronomical timer.[5

Writing in the Los Angeles Times, Susan Freudenheim described the restored lamps as displaying "elaborate floral and geometric patterns" at the base, with "fluted shafts and glass globes that cap them...meticulously cleaned, painted and refurbished to create an...

"Urban Light" is a renowned public art installation by artist Chris Burden, located at the entrance of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) on Wilshire Boulevard. The installation, completed in 2008, consists of 202 restored cast-iron street lamps, originally from the 1920s and 1930s, that were collected from various locations in Southern California. These lamps are arranged in a grid-like formation, creating a striking visual impact both day and night.

The lamps are painted in a uniform gray color and are fully functional, illuminating the area at night with a soft, inviting glow. "Urban Light" has become an iconic symbol of Los Angeles, attracting both locals and tourists alike who come to admire and photograph the installation. The artwork is celebrated for its blend of history, beauty, and public accessibility, making it one of the most recognizable and beloved pieces of public art in the city.

The installation is also seen as a commentary on the urban environment and the interplay between art and public space. It invites interaction, allowing visitors to walk among the lamps, creating a unique and personal experience with the artwork. "Urban Light" has not only become a popular landmark but also a cultural touchstone in Los Angeles, representing the city's creativity and its...