Freedom Sculpture, Public sculpture on Santa Monica Boulevard, Century City, United States.
The Freedom Sculpture consists of two cylindrical structures made from stainless steel with gold-lined interiors and silver exteriors, each about 15 feet tall. The work sits along Santa Monica Boulevard in Century City and was designed by architect Cecil Balmond.
The work draws inspiration from the Cyrus Cylinder, an ancient Persian artifact from the 5th century BC that represents early ideas about human rights and religious freedom. Construction and installation occurred in the 2010s as part of broader efforts to expand cultural representation through public art in the city.
The sculpture was selected to represent Iranian culture in Los Angeles through public art, chosen from hundreds of international design proposals. The cylindrical forms tell a story about human rights and religious tolerance that connects to Persian heritage.
The sculpture is best viewed from Santa Monica Boulevard while driving at normal speeds, making it easy to see from the road. The location is accessible and designed to be appreciated from a vehicle without needing to stop.
The project was financed through a crowdfunding model that gathered contributions from the community and major supporters. This funding approach makes it a distinctive example of community-backed public art installation in California.
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