Bridge Tender's House, Public art installation at 14th Street Bridges, United States
The Bridge Tender's House is an art installation at the 14th Street Bridge that transforms a former watchtower building into a contemporary work of public art. Six large windows in the structure display kaleidoscope cones made from dichroic acrylic that create shifting color patterns when light passes through them.
The artwork was created in 2009 through a competitive selection process involving 122 artists, transforming a functional watchtower into a visual art piece. This conversion marked a shift in how public spaces along Washington's waterways were used for artistic expression.
The installation combines architectural elements with modern materials to create changing visual effects that reflect the movement of the Potomac River beneath.
The installation is illuminated daily from 4 PM until midnight and can be viewed from the bridge itself or the riverside paths on either side. The light effects are most visible during twilight hours when the color patterns are most pronounced.
Each window contains specialized kaleidoscopic materials that produce different light patterns depending on the time of day and viewing angle.
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