The iconic Bending Arc sculpture stands tall at St. Petersburg Pier, a beloved piece of art cherished by locals.
St. Petersburg is set to dismantle the iconic Bending Arc sculpture after it suffered significant damage due to hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024. Originally installed in 2020, the sculpture, designed by Janet Echelman, has played a vital role in the community’s artistic landscape. The removal will occur on February 10 and 11 to ensure visitor safety. Although the city plans to repair and potentially reinstall the sculpture, no timeline has been confirmed for its return. The city’s collaboration with inspection experts aims to restore this beloved art piece in time for upcoming events.
In a bittersweet turn of events for art lovers and nature enthusiasts alike, St. Petersburg is preparing to remove the beloved Bending Arc sculpture from its picturesque Pier. Following the damage caused by back-to-back hurricanes in 2024, this stunning piece of art is set to be dismantled on February 10 and 11 to ensure safety for visitors using the lawn area beneath it.
The Bending Arc, a magnificent structure measuring 432 feet wide and hovering 70 feet above the ground, has been a centerpiece of the Pier since its installation in 2020. Designed by artist Janet Echelman, it intended to create a calming atmosphere while also serving as a reminder of our relationship with the environment. However, even the most carefully crafted works of art can face challenges posed by Mother Nature. The sculpture was built to endure winds up to 150 mph, but the fierce storms named Helene and Milton proved to be too much, resulting in significant damage.
After the upcoming removal, the Bending Arc will be stored until a comprehensive repair plan can be developed, although city officials have not provided a timeline for its return. The sculpture’s structure includes over 5,000 pounds of nets and ropes, and features a staggering 1.6 million knots from 180 miles of twine. There has already been a visible sagging of a section due to a partially frayed connection—a situation described as a “non-structural rope.” Fortunately, the city is collaborating with the inspection experts from the Cocoa Beach company, Net House, to address the necessary repairs.
Repair work is expected to kick off shortly, with city officials hopeful that the sculpture will be restored in time for Pride Month, which begins just after the announcement of the damage. This fleeting moment of community support is essential for the artistic piece that so many hold dear, especially since it encourages mindfulness and a sense of calmness in the hustle of daily life.
Since its debut, the Bending Arc has survived numerous weather challenges; however, safety measures were implemented after a section fell, causing temporary closures of the area below. This proactive approach underscores the city’s commitment to public safety while still celebrating a vibrant art community. Having initially received over $1.4 million through public and private contributions, it was part of a lavish $90 million investment in revitalizing the St. Petersburg Pier project.
The community’s relationship with the Bending Arc hasn’t been entirely perfect. Frustrations have been voiced regarding how the impressive structure has dominated the public space, particularly given complaints about other amenities, such as the closed mooring field. Although not everyone is enamored with the sculpture, its intention to connect people with nature remains central to its existence.
As St. Petersburg bids farewell to this towering example of modern art, the city acknowledges its role in fostering a connection to nature and our shared humanity. The road ahead may be uncertain, but the promise of a repaired and reinstalled Bending Arc offers hope and excitement for what lies ahead. This piece isn’t just a sculpture; it’s a reminder of who we are and how we dance with the environment around us. Keep an eye out for updates, as the story of the Bending Arc continues.
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