Public Art Program
The City of Palo Alto Public Art Program is committed to contributing to the intellectual, emotional, and creative life of the Palo Alto community by creating engaging art experiences and dynamic public spaces for Palo Alto residents and visitors. The Program operates in accordance with Chapter 2.26 of Palo Alto Municipal Code to provide opportunities for the placement of permanent and temporary site-specific public art projects in municipal projects across Palo Alto. Additionally, the Program oversees the implementation of the Ordinance requirement to incorporate public art in private development projects. The Public Art Commission (PAC) reviews and advises the Public Art Program on selection, placement, and care of public art throughout the City of Palo Alto.
Explore Public Art with Mapme
Find public art around Palo Alto with this interactive map.
Projects in Development
Public Art for the Public Safety Building Project
Artist Peter Wegner is commissioned to create site-specific artworks for the new Public Safety Building at 250 Sherman Avenue, Palo Alto. The artist began an extensive community engagement and design development process in 2018. In 2019 the Public Art Commission approved interior and exterior artworks that are scheduled to be installed Summer 2024. Below is shown one of the interior artworks to be installed.
CHANCE IMPRESSION by Peter Wegner.
Public Art for the Fire Station No. 4 Replacement Project
Bay Area artist Stephen Galloway has been commissioned to create a site-specific permanent artwork for the new Fire Station No. 4, located at 3600 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto. The architecturally integrated artwork, Commonweal, is inspired by the central role that the fire station plays in community well-being, and pays homage to the resilience symbolized by a local oak tree at the Pearson-Arastradero Preserve in Palo Alto. The estimated timeline for installation is winter 2025/2026. Fire Station No. 4 is a Capital Improvement Project that has funds earmarked for public art in accordance with the Municipal Code 2.26.070.
A digital rendering of Commonweal by Stephen Galloway for the Fire Station #4 Replacement Project.
Public Art for Boulware Park
The Los Angeles-based award-winning art and design studio UrbanRock Design have been commissioned for the Boulware Park Public Art Project. Through their community outreach, the artists have gathered community input about the Ventura Neighborhood, which has informed their design development process. The Ventura Neighborhood is a unique settlement in Palo Alto, a place of diversity and openness where many found their home. This is referenced in the interactive sculptural work Settlement which provides casual sitting within its wrapped shape, formed loosely into a house shape. The estimated timeline for sculpture installation is Fall 2024.
A digital rendering of Settlement by UrbanRock Art & Design Studio designed for Boulware Park.
Program Mission
The Palo Alto Public Art Program promotes the highest caliber of artwork, commissioning memorable public artworks and experiences that stimulate discussion and thoughtful reflection, celebrating Palo Alto’s character and enhancing civic pride and sense of place.
Program Vision
Public art reflects Palo Alto’s people, diverse neighborhoods, the innovative and global character of its businesses and academic institutions, and the beauty of its natural environment.
About the Public Art Collection
The City collection of public art is comprised of approximately 100 permanently sited works and over 200 portable works of art in a diverse range of media. All works are commissioned and acquired through a public process. The portable collection features works by artists who have lived, worked, exhibited in, or been inspired by Palo Alto. The artworks are exhibited throughout City facilities and accessible to the public on a daily basis. From the land art in the Baylands to the more figurative works, the collection of permanently sited and integrated artworks reflects the diverse interests and populations of Palo Alto. It includes emerging talent as well as well established, world-renowned artists such as Nathan Oliveira, Fletcher Benton, Betty Gold, Gene Flores, and Bruce Beasley. Each artwork is selected with the particular site and audience in mind.
View the Public Art Collection Map to explore all locations of permanently-sited artworks in Palo Alto.
Collection Care & Maintenance Program
The Public Art Program is committed to ongoing maintenance and restoration projects for the permanent collection. Permanent and temporary artworks are regularly cleaned and receive preventative treatments to protect them from the elements. Some of the works receive more extensive conservation and repair treatments. If you notice vandalism or artworks in disrepair, please call the Public Art office immediately at (650) 329-2227. Thank you!
Help Us Preserve the Public Art Collection
Your tax-deductible donations to the Public Art Program are essential to support our ongoing maintenance and conservation efforts for the Palo Alto Public Art Collection. The collection is comprised of over 300 permanently sited and portable works of art by local and world-renowned artists. Together we can preserve the artworks for future generations. Thank you!
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