Phoenix is full of public art for your viewing pleasure. Sculptures, glass work, murals—they can all be found throughout the streets of the city. With a commitment to supporting the arts, Phoenix remains one of over 300 cities with a public art program. More than 180 projects have been completed since the program’s inception in 1986, and there are currently over 30 projects in the works. But where are the best places to see some of that art? 

Though there are hundreds of areas providing opportunities to see public artwork, there are some projects that have garnered special attention due to innovation, award-winning conceptions, or have become distinctive community landmarks. Neighborhoods.com put together a list of the best neighborhoods to view the most notable artwork.

Downtown Phoenix

"Her Secret is Patience" photo courtesy of Janet Echelman

Phoenix is no stranger to nude statues. In front of The Herberger Theater on East Monroe Street in Downtown Phoenix, a group of unclothed statues dance while one plays the flute. John Waddell gifted this statue installation, “Dance”, to Maricopa County Superior Court in the 1960s. He was commissioned thereafter for 20 more over the next several decades. Though some have been moved or taken away for renovation, the “nude” sculpture has become synonymous with many areas of the city.

Designed by artist Janet Echelman for Downtown, “Her Secret is Patience” is a collaboration among the artist and engineers, architects, planners, and fabricators. The $2.5 million sculpture—consisting of painted galvanized steel, polyester twine netting, and colored lights—shines in the night sky as one of the most recognized artworks of the city. Most impressive at night, the free-floating net changes shape with the intention to illuminate, “leaving parts obscured in mystery, much like the phases of the moon.” “Her Secret is Patience” can be found in the Civic Space Park across from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University.

Downtown Scottsdale

Ed Mell's sculpture Jack Knife photo by Shutterstock

Popular as an Instagram backdrop, the large red letters of the LOVE sculpture of Downtown Scottsdale has become a popular stop at the Civic Center Mall. Designed by Robert Indiana as a symbol of peace during the Vietnam war, the 144-foot-high sculpture made of poly-chromed red and blue aluminum is one of the most recognizable works of the pop art movement—and the art world as a whole. Scottsdale’s purchase was the first in a series of five of the impressive showpieces. The artwork has become an iconic staple and community landmark for Scottsdale.

Central City

"Pattern Recognition" photo courtesy of City of Phoenix

At the Phoenix Forensics Crime Lab in Central City, you’ll find a surrealistic chandelier that pays homage to the art of forensic science. Built in 2007 by Ralph Helmick and Stuart Schechter, and hanging approximately 10 feet in diameter and 18 feet high, “Pattern Recognition” contains hundreds of glass beakers, flasks, test tubes, pipettes and other tools of the forensics trade. Also in the chandelier are molecular models of drugs, fingerprints, DNA strands, pop cultural references to police work, and over 130 magnifying glasses.

Roosevelt Row

Wall art graffiti at Roosevelt Row photo by Shutterstock

Roosevelt Row is home to dozens of eye-catching murals. And though they aren’t always permanent, the ever-changing canvas of brick walls, empty alleyways, or businesses can be among the most exciting displays of public art. Some of the most popular murals right now are Carrie Marill’s mural on Third Street, Art Awakenings’ mural on Second Street, Lalo Cato and Thomas "Breeze" Marcus’ mural near Roosevelt and Second streets, and “Sign of the Times” by Hugo Medina at Modified Arts.

University Park, Tempe

Gammage Memorial Auditorium photo by Shutterstock

Located next to University Park in Tempe, the Gammage Memorial Auditorium has become a favorite spot of contemporary art lovers. It’s one of the last public commissions of architect Frank Lloyd Wright and stands as a prime example of his contribution to architecture. Measuring 300 feet long by 250 feet wide by 80 feet high, it features 50 concrete columns supporting the round roof with a pattern of interlocking circles. The auditorium remains one of the largest exhibitors of performing arts among university venues in the world.