Carry the Rainbow on Your Shoulders

Carry the Rainbow on Your Shoulders is a concrete sculpture in Adams Morgan that depicts a headless adult figure carrying a child on their shoulders. The entire work is covered with colorful mosaic tile pieces arranged in patterns that create visual movement across the surface.

American artist Jerome Meadows created this work in 1997 as part of a public art initiative by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities. It was installed in Unity Park, which later underwent restoration to preserve both the sculpture and its surrounding water installation.

The piece shows how families and caregivers support younger generations through its central image of nurturing and protection. The rainbow colors add a layer of hope and inclusion to this everyday moment.

The sculpture sits in Unity Park where it is freely visible from outside at any time of day. The location is easily walkable from nearby streets and fits well into a broader exploration of the Adams Morgan neighborhood.

The figure deliberately has no head, which shifts focus to the act of carrying rather than to any individual identity. This unusual design choice makes the work feel universal and allows any visitor to see themselves in the scene.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Inception: 1997

GPS coordinates: 38.92322,-77.04153

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:23