Embedded Files
DESCRIPTION: station art consisting of
- sculptural "river" fountain and seating, containing more than 200 embedded items, including found objects from the station site's excavations
- 7,500 gallon aquarium, with etched acrylic walls (by Richard Wyatt)
- ceramic tile mosaic double-sided bench
- bronze pavement insets
This large public art installation of fountain, seating, aquarium, ceramic tile mosaic, and pavement images collectively fills Union Station's entire east lobby. The "mountain of artifacts" is the source of the "river" between the mosaic benches. The "river" flowing water feature, however, appears to be permanently disabled.
The etched acrylic aquarium walls by Richard Wyatt depict early Gabrielino Native Americans and local settlers. A 2020 Los Angeles Times article shows the aquarium being cleaned by a scuba diver. The Los Angeles MTA commissioned a companion piece, the mural "City of Dreams" (1996) by Richard Wyatt, located at the west subway portal.
Artists' Statement: “In the wake of a series of natural and human disasters in the City of Los Angeles, here at the site of our City’s historic core, City of Dreams/River of History hopefully will contribute to a sense of reaffirmation in a City that becomes aware of its past, of the accomplishments of its present, and of the possibilities of its future— its dreams.” Additional information: Metro Art
LOCATION: interior, east lobby, Union Station, 800 N. Alameda Street, El Pueblo, Los Angeles, California, USA
DETAIL (found objects):
DETAIL (pavement insets):
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