Public Art

Public Art in Westminster

Have you seen the bear? Or the elk? How about the fireman in bronze? The colorful children on a balance beam? Do you know about the Public Art Program in the City of Westminster? Why not explore the city, find new places and be surprised by the variety of sculpture and murals throughout the community!

The City of Westminster's Public Art Program represents the evolution of public and private investment, consistently high development standards and the continual establishment of partnerships between the city and the development community - enhancing the overall experience of the built environment in Westminster.

More than 100 individual works of art contribute to the overall program, ranging from larger-than-life cast bronzes to kinetic "wind sculpture" and from brick-masonry murals to beautiful frescos. They punctuate spaces ranging from City Hall and other city facilities to commercial centers throughout Westminster. The intent of the program is not to simply embellish architecture but to integrate art into the fabric of the overall community.

Public spaces, including parks, fire stations, libraries and City Hall, are commonly recognized as locations for public art, based on public ownership and accessibility. Funds from the city's hotel/motel tax-funded Community Enhancement Fund have been used for many of these installations.

Locations that might be a surprise include commercial shopping centers and office parks. Many private installations are driven by the city's requirement that commercial developments greater than 1 acre include public art, while others are voluntary. Residents and visitors alike may find themselves standing in the middle of a mosaic compass, posing to have their photo taken with a majestic elk or simply struck by a pod of dolphins leaping from a fountain. All of the program installations encourage awareness of, and interest in, public art.

Take advantage of this guide to the Public Art Program installations throughout Westminster. Take the time to find works of art in our community that you may have missed. Most of all, experience art, and the city, from a whole new perspective!

Map of Westminster's Public Art

Following an international Call for Entry earlier this year, the City received 104 submissions from talented artists around the world. After a thorough selection process, two artist teams—HouDeSousa and Engineered Artworks—were chosen to move forward with design concepts for this one-of-a-kind piece.  These design concepts were presented to the community at the movie in the park in May, a community open house in early June, and virtually on the city's website and social media platforms.

The Public Art Review Panel considered both proposals and the community input, and selected the proposal "Float Together" which has been developed by the team Hou DeSousa.  

Hou DeSousa: Float Together Project Overview

The concept for Float Together was developed from themes contained in adopted plans for Downtown Westminster which recall the Westminster Mall, the mechanical balloons in the mall's central atrium, and how this served as a community gathering space.  

Assembled like a community quilt, and composed of many parts that together make something greater, each unique steel panel contributes to the whole, just as each person in Westminster adds to the character and strength of the city.  The Hou DeSousa team used the parachute game as a metaphor of how this peice of public art can bring people joyfully together through participation and uplift in the creation of a special space that can be enjoyed by all. “Float Together” takes inspiration from these acts of teamwork and celebrates the community Westminster has built.

Generously surrounded by gateways, “Float Together” invites exploration and welcomes folks to the new downtown Westminster park from all directions. The pavilion’s zig-zagging patterns and silhouettes evoke the Front Range at Westminster’s doorstep while also providing dappled shade and serving as an iconic meeting place.

Ultimately, “Float Together” tells a story of shared momentum and joyful connection. It’s an artwork that remembers childhood play and transforms it into a public experience. By referencing the surrounding mountains, hot air balloons, and the collective spirit of Westminster, the sculpture becomes more than a piece of art. It becomes a landmark of belonging. A place to pass through. A place to meet. A place to rise, together.

If you have questions about the CIty's Public Art Program, please email Kate Cooke.