All About Holland 2023

PUBLIC ART

Holland Area CVB

With nearly 100 outdoor installations, Holland has a lot of art to discover.

Once you’ve frolicked with the Cowardly Lion, check out the other sculptures in the city. Find Ben Franklin lounging upon a bench along River Street, two young girls reading The Secret Garden outside the Women’s Literary Club, and a group of bronze musicians playing beneath the shade of a Norway maple. See if you can locate the sandstone Zhdondige-kwe (“Strong Hearted Woman)” and the mushing dogsledder crafted from recycled scrap metal. Lose your bearings? The Google Eyed Wayfinder is the sentry for a downtown map. This is just the tip of the artistic Holland iceberg. More than half of the art is within walking distance of 8th Street, and the rest is peppered throughout the Holland area. Let yourself be delighted as you happen upon a giant wooden chess set or chart a course using the maps and resources at holland.org/public-art-around-holland .

Just touring the murals around town could be a day trip in itself. Giant flowers flourish outside the 205 Coffee Bar, a bicycle sprocket rides the wall of Velo City Cycles, and a two-story tribute to the local Hispanic community graces the side of the Holland Armory. And that is only a taste of the colorful brick canvases adorning the sides of local businesses. The Wizard of Oz Exhibit is one of the newest art installations. This tribute to the classic tale is just a short distance from the author’s summer cottage and steps from downtown. The exhibit features a seasonal 10’ x 12’ open novel sculpted from thousands of colorful plants. Follow the yellow brick road, and you’ll encounter seven life-sized bronze statues inspired by the timeless novel’s original illustrations.

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