Public Art

Enjoy viewing an impressive collection of public art while getting the benefits of refreshing outdoor exercise by taking either the 20 minute Downtown Sculpture Stroll or the two-mile self-guided Art walk along the Rock River that launches from Nicholas Conservatory.

CLICK HERE to download a map of all the downtown sculptures' locations.

CLICK HERE to download a Rockford Park District map of other public works of art in Rockford.

We hope you share your photos of the sculptures using #gorockford and #sculpturestroll on social media! 

Pictured below is the Red Trunk by Hans Van de Bovenkamp. This is one of the eight sculptures in the downtown as part of the Sculpture Stroll.

Downtown Sculpture Stroll

The Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is pleased to announce that eight of the original nine sculptures (as part of the Forest City Beautiful Sculpture Stroll featuring Boaz Vaadia and Hans Van de Bovenkamp) will remain in Rockford through May 2017. The sculptures are part of the RACVB's Forest City Beautiful initiative.

“The sculptures are a perfect fit with the downtown landscape,” said John Groh, president/CEO of the RACVB. “We are excited and thankful that the artists wanted to continue their agreement with us and extend the stay of these beautiful sculptures in our community.”

Originally schedule to be on display from June 2015 – May 2016, the RACVB worked with the artists to extend the stay because of the overwhelming response from the community.

“The community has really taken to these sculptures and embraced them as part of our downtown,” said Groh. “We see them featured on social media by both residents and visitors as they interact with the art.”

 “We know how spectacular these sculptures are and our hope is to keep one or more of the sculptures in Rockford permanently,” said Groh.

RACVB hopes to raise funds through its RACVB Foundation, a 501(c) 3 non-profit, to be able to purchase one or more of the pieces for permanent display.

Pictured below is the Oracle by Hans Van de Bovenkamp. This is one of the eight sculptures in the downtown as part of the Sculpture Stroll.