West Hollywood’s Public Art Programs Enrich Urban Life

Celebrating Creativity: West Hollywood’s Public Art Programs Enrich Urban Life

The City of West Hollywood has long been a beacon of creativity and cultural expression, with its vibrant Public Art Program serving as a cornerstone of this identity. Through innovative policies, diverse initiatives, and deep community engagement, West Hollywood has transformed its urban landscape into an open-air gallery—where art, culture, and civic pride intersect.

Since adopting its Art in Public Places ordinance in 1987, West Hollywood has required that new commercial and residential projects include public art or contribute to the City’s Urban Art Fund. The result is a growing, diverse collection of artworks that reflects the city’s inclusivity, innovation, and avant-garde spirit.

Permanent Artworks: Landmarks in the Landscape

The Doors by Ed Ruscha (Sunset Marquis Hotel):
Celebrated as a godfather of the LA contemporary art scene, Ruscha’s tribute to Jim Morrison and The Doors is a stunning example of pop art and typographic minimalism.

Illuminated Manuscript by George Herms (West Hollywood Library):
A pioneer of assemblage art, Herms’ monumental installation fuses salvaged materials with literary references.

Untitled by David Wiseman (West Hollywood Park Parking Structure):
An elegant metalwork canopy inspired by flora and fauna, blending nature with urban design.

Unity by Tom Van Sant (Holloway & Santa Monica Blvd):
A sculpture of interlocking hands representing harmony and inclusiveness.

Rocky and Bullwinkle by the Jay Ward Studio (Sunset Boulevard):
A colorful statue celebrating the city’s quirky and playful side.

Diver Neon by Mike Stilkey (West Hollywood Aquatic and Recreation Center):
A restored vintage-style neon sign of a poised diver that connects past and present visual culture.

UR OKAY and One Love by Scott Froschauer (Santa Monica Boulevard median):
Road-sign-inspired sculptures offering affirmations and unity.

Parallel Perpendicular by Phillip K. Smith III (West Hollywood Park):
Mirrored columns reflecting the environment, blending architecture and light.

Neon Dog (Hart Park):
A whimsical, rotating neon dog sculpture that adds nostalgic glow and playful motion to the park.

Programs That Power the Public Art Scene

Visual Arts Program

Supports temporary exhibitions in municipal facilities, featuring local, emerging, and underrepresented artists.

Art on the Outside

Places rotating temporary sculptures and installations in public spaces. Examples include:

‍Champ by Karl Haendel:
A hyper-realistic sculpture of a dog.

A Conversation by Gillian Wearing:
An interactive piece exploring identity.

Moving Image Media Art (MIMA)

Showcases video art and short films on digital billboards, particularly along the Sunset Strip.

Mural Program

Supports murals on public and private property. Highlights include:

‍Our Pride by Ricky Sencion:
A rainbow-infused mural.

‍Be You by Kristin Farr:
A geometric, colorful mural encouraging self-expression.

‍Peace, Freedom and Creativity by Shepard Fairey (inside West Hollywood City Council Chambers):
A bold and iconic interior mural by the acclaimed street artist known for his 'Obey Giant' and 'Hope' poster, infusing civic space with messages of empowerment and public discourse. The artist, known for layering of images, has created a deeply dimensional “portrait” of West Hollywood that reflects historical and architectural elements of the City. This work provides a historically significant and community-based project that is not unlike a contemporary version of the highly-regarded Works Progress Administration (WPA) murals completed in the 1930’s in public buildings throughout the United States.

Urban Art Program

Ensures that new developments include or support public art through site-specific works or contributions to the Urban Art Fund.

A City Where Art Is a Civic Value

West Hollywood’s public art programming demonstrates that art isn’t just decoration—it’s part of the city’s DNA. Whether you’re taking a walk down Santa Monica Boulevard, reading at the library, or catching a ride on the Sunset Strip, you’re never far from a creative encounter.

Art in West Hollywood doesn’t just reflect the city—it shapes it.

For more information on the City of West Hollywood’s Public Art Program and opportunities to engage, visit weho.org/arts.