Gate to the Northwest Passage, Steel sculpture in Vanier Park, Vancouver, Canada.
The Gate to the Northwest Passage is a steel sculpture in Vanier Park that catches the eye with its twisted square form, standing near the Vancouver Maritime Museum. The structure uses Corten steel, which develops a protective rust layer over time.
The sculpture was commissioned by Parks Canada in 1979 to remember Captain George Vancouver, who entered Burrard Inlet in 1792. This commission connects the artwork to the legacy of early European exploration of these coastal waters.
The sculpture frames views toward the water, and people naturally pause here to take in the scenery while learning about the connection to maritime exploration.
The artwork sits in an open park with clear visibility from all sides and allows natural sightlines to the surrounding area. Visitors can reach the spot easily on foot and have multiple positions for viewing and photography.
The form resembles an oversized paper clip, and the Corten steel visibly reacts to the bay's marine climate. This change is part of the artistic plan and makes the sculpture come alive over the years.
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