Shiny and glittering out of the corner of my eye, this large piece of public art is placed near the…read morefront of the Valerie C Woodward Center facility that houses a number of Charlotte-Mecklenburg city/county offices. From the artist's website, "Pillars of Dreams... makes a soft landing in a field of quiet moments and curious interactions. Open columns drop down from the floating canopy into a field of seating, open paths for wandering, and unbounded spaces for self-assembly. More than an idiosyncratic space for individual discovery, Pillars of Dreams establishes a public agora for visitors and employees at this important community interface between local government and Charlotte-Mecklenburg residents." The caption points out that the artist is Marc Fornes and it is powder-coated aluminum with stainless-steel rivets making up some 3564 parts and 54,000 rivets. Step into and under the center of this public art for a moment. The artist has put openings into the aluminum skin that let some light in. It reflects off the pieces and makes for a pretty sight. Shadows, projected and reflected light in the space below are lovely. Check it out when you're in the area. [Review 13437 overall, 756 of 2020.]

This is a very unique and pretty art installation. I wasn't sure exactly where to go and Apple Maps…read morearen't that helpful what you want to do is go to the front of the building and then turn right. It is on the right side of the building easily accessible if you are coming from the front. Make sure to go close up and look from underneath to see the wide array of colors.

I've been meaning to stop by this outdoor gallery for quite some time now. I've been discouraged by…read morepeople saying it's so hard to find parking, so today I got up early and decided to go. I wanted to take some pictures of my son with a nice backdrop and this was the perfect spot for that! When we arrived we found parking right across the street, it had to have been about 9:30 am. The area was clean and really nicely kept. There happen to be only one other person there who seemed to have been filming a music video. But we were able to get some shots in while walking around admiring the art. And man, were there some creative pieces. I'm a lover of art and so is my son - He's also a really great artist. We spotted some hidden characters such as, the pink panther, super Mario characters, Winnie the pooh etc. This is a perfect place to have an impromptu photo shoot. And of course this place is nestled right in the heart of NoDa, only one of thee most eclectic neighborhoods in Charlotte! Which is a plus, you'll come across murals in the most random places in NoDa. Come here, get lost in the art and leave with a happy heart!

This is truly one of my happy places. A space where artists can exist, create, refine their art…read more There are always fun community events at this location and a really amazing vegan food cart. A lot of the events are free too. This space was created by local muralist in the area for the community and artists to have a central location to cube creative together.

PLEASE DON'T CLIMB ON PETE!…read more Charlotte has hosted its share of trolls over the years, but none quite like this one. None with feet that stretch a full 7 feet! Meet Big Pete with the Big Feet, a towering wooden figure who now watches over a stormwater catch basin in the heart of the River District's newest development. Unveiled in November 2025, Pete joins a growing family of Thomas Dambo trolls across North Carolina and around the world, including permanent installations in Raleigh's Dorothea Dix Park and High Point's creative corridor. Big Pete is part of Danish artist Thomas Dambo's worldwide series of giant trolls, each crafted from recycled and reclaimed wood. Pete's body is built entirely from scrap lumber, fallen branches, and salvaged materials, giving him a patchwork texture that feels both rustic and intentional. His posture is relaxed with one leg bent and one arm resting. His face carries a curious, slightly watchful expression. With wild wooden hair and a beard of tangled twigs, he looks like he might have just finished a hearty meal and settled in to observe the River District's transformation. There's a quiet wisdom to his gaze, as if he's seen many seasons and is waiting patiently for the next. Visiting Pete is easy and stroller friendly. The parking area leads to a stone and gravel path that winds gently toward his resting spot. You can climb the hill to get up close. His feet alone are longer than most benches. If you lean in, you'll catch the scent of freshly sawn wood. It's a sensory experience as much as a visual one, and the setting adds to the magic: trees rustling, birds overhead and the muffled roar of the airport not too far away. And here's Pete quietly keeping watch. If you're looking for whimsy, craftsmanship, and a touch of folklore in Charlotte's evolving landscape, Big Pete delivers. He's not just a sculpture--he's a story waiting to be discovered. It's worth noting that if Big Pete was wearing shoes, his seven foot long foot would be a US shoe size of around 252. [Review 1363 of 2025 - 4482 in North Carolina - 24915 overall]

Pete is another masterpiece by Thomas Dambo and we were so excited to visit him. He is definitely…read morethe largest of any sculptures I have seen by Dambo, with incredibly long legs and I imagine they were able to accomplish that only because he is laying down on the hill. His face is very well done with a coy confidence I think was intended. Unfortunately, my experience visiting him was very poor. There were hundreds of visitors and people were behaving terribly. I witnessed one little girl pull out one of his "hairs" and children were jumping and climbing all over him with absolutely zero respect. The parents were just as bad, either totally self absorbed and oblivious or encouraging to the behavior. There was even rock throwing. It was a horrible display. We didn't stay long. I hope the artist continues his valuable work and I hope Pete is able to endure despite all he is going through.

It's not a business but a great place to visit while in Charlotte NC…read moreIt's free!!!! There is a playground close by too

Big Pete is artwork created out of old wine barrels and other wood that's been recycled by the…read moreartist. There are 7 of these sculptures located in NC and 173 located around the country. The Artist, Thomas Dambo created these works of art for the Trail of a Thousand Trolls. Let's get out there and visit these wonderful creations.

Located on the side of Romare Bearden Park closest to Mint Street, this welded stainless steel…read moresculpture soars 30 feet into the air like a wave. The artwork was unveiled on September 23, 2017. The caption reads, "Richard Hunt created 'Spiral Odyssey' as a tribute to his friend Romare Bearden (1911-1988). Bearden and Hunt were the first contemporary African American artists to have solo exhibitions at New York's Museum of Modern Art in 1971." "In 1963, Romare Bearden played a pivotal role in the founding of a collective of African American artists known as the 'Spiral Group' who actively participated in the Civil Rights movement. In the manner of the Archimedean spiral that advances by radiating outward to embrace all directions, the elegant spiral formed by Richard Hunt's sculpture symbolizes the widening influence of the Spiral Group. It also represents the circular nature of progress and the complexities of Bearden's multifaceted career, which even in its legacy continues to ascend." "The 'Odyssey', Homer's epic poem chronicling the hero's perilous voyage home, inspired Bearden as well as Hunt. A form resembling a ship's bow servs as the base of Hunt's sculpture. A journeying vessel, the ship alludes to forward momentum as well as the suffering experienced by enslaved Africans during the Middle Passage. The sculpture's ascending height attests to a fortitude of character - strength, tenacity and liberty. Whimsical vignettes mimicking fish surfing in the ship's wake, and generative plant life inspired by the surrounding garden, signify resiliency and regeneration." Collection of Mecklenburg County, Commissioned in partnership with the Arts & Science Council and the Public Art Commission. Funding was generously provided by Mecklenburg County, Duke Energy Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, and the Board of Directors of the Arts & Science Council. [Review 268 of 2024 - 3525 in North Carolina - 21303 overall.]

The Confetti Hearts Wall is a mural in Charlotte's South End district along an otherwise boring…read morealleyway. The artwork is by artist Evelyn Henson. It is between Camden and Hawkins around the corner from Hawkers and other restaurants. Forty feet long, it is an "Instagram wall" where you can post for your perfect picture and then get an ice cream from Jeni's! [Review 2074 of 2024 - 3760 in North Carolina - 23093 overall]

Can park right outside, Such a cute spot for pictures and ice cream after , stopped here for the…read moreday and was worth the 15 minute drive

It has taken a while to figure out what this artwork is named and now I know so I can share. This…read moreis "Stem" and it is by artist John Grade. Grade was born in 1970 and works in Seattle. According to his bio, "Kinetics, impermanence and chance are often central to the work." This large sculpture stands in Marsh Park in Pineville https://www.yelp.com/biz/marsh-park-pineville?hrid=hyiA3qTqzfDLTksPCbSdHQ. The park has a paved trail, bridges and boardwalks that allow an overlook of the marshes. There are some seating areas nearby and parking. While this artwork screams out to be climbed on, it is absolutely not for climbing. "Derived from a magnified cross-section of the rhizome [plant stem] of a common sedge indigenous to Marsh Park, Stem is sited along a walking path at the edge of a reclaimed wetland. Purpleheart hardwood was chosen for the sculpture for its durability as well as for its heavy weight. The site floods periodically, temporarily submerging the lower portion of the sculpture under water." [Review 19694 overall - 3425 in North Carolina - 666 of 2023.]

If you've headed to the airport from Billy Graham Parkway, you've seen the large metal art…read morestructure at the turnoff for Josh Birmingham. It's called "Ascendus" and it has been here since 2012. Sixty feet tall and 25 feet wide, it is lit by 54 separate LED floodlights after dark. It's definitely a landmark. Shaped to emulate the spirit of flight looking like planes or a bird taking off. Amazingly, it only cost $381,000 and was paid for out of the city of Charlotte's arts budget. [Review 9951 overall, 1531 of 2018.]