Public art transforms ordinary urban spaces and natural landscapes into unexpected galleries, from ancient rock paintings to contemporary installations that provoke, delight, and occasionally bewilder. These guides explore remarkable public artworks across continents, ranging from the ancient rock art of Kakadu National Park in Australia’s Northern Territory — where Aboriginal stories are painted onto stone shelters — to contemporary favourites like Chicago’s beloved Cloud Gate (The Bean) and the vibrant Seven Magic Mountains installation near Las Vegas. You’ll discover both the stories behind the art and practical visiting information.
European cities host particularly diverse public art — from Prague’s David Černý sculptures (including his crawling babies and cheeky peeing statues) and the politically charged Lennon Wall to Lisbon’s stunning azulejo tile art adorning metro stations, Brussels’ Tintin mural trail celebrating Belgium’s beloved comic hero, and Oslo’s Tjuvholmen Sculpture Park along the waterfront. There’s also coverage of intriguing single pieces like Salzburg’s giant golden ball artwork, Vancouver’s Digital Orca, the Nike relief at Ephesus in Turkey, and the Seed sculpture at Cornwall’s Eden Project. From Seattle’s Olympic Sculpture Park to ancient carvings and contemporary installations, these guides help you locate, understand, and appreciate public art that rewards curious travellers who look beyond conventional attractions. More public art guides will be added soon.
- The rock art of Kakadu National Park in Australia’s Northern Territory.
- The story behind the giant golden ball artwork in Salzburg.
- Following the Tintin mural trail in Brussels.
- What is Digital Orca in Vancouver all about?
- The story of the Lennon Wall in Prague.
- Where to see David Cerny’s crawling baby sculptures in Prague.
- Where to find David Cerny’s peeing statues in Prague.
- Discovering the azulejo tile art of Lisbon, in the Metro stations and beyond.
- Guide to the Tjuvholmen Sculpture Park in Oslo.
- Why see the Nike relief in Ephesus, Turkey.
- Why the Seed sculpture is an unexpected highlight of the Eden Project in Cornwall.
- Why everyone loves Cloud Gate (aka The Bean) in Chicago.
- Is it worth visiting Seven Magic Mountains from Las Vegas?
- A practical guide to visiting the Olympic Sculpture Park in Seattle.
