There are thousands of things that can you do with steel plates that you can buy online. Some people use them as the base for construction and building projects while others use steel to build ships and trains. There’s no discounting the application of steel in various industries, but it’s important to note that this versatile metal is also used for art.
Steel’s malleability allows it to be bent and shaped into whatever form the artist envisions it to be, and this is why it has helped create stunning works of art. Here’s a short list of the most famous steel structures in the world.
Unisphere, New York
The Unisphere is a gigantic metal sculpture of the planet earth in the form of a globe that is located at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens. It was constructed as the major theme for the World Fair in 1964 together with a working fountain.
Designed by landscape architect Gilmore D. Clarke and the designers of Peter Muller-Munk Associates, the Unisphere is made of stainless steel, weighs between 700,000 to 900,000 pounds and measures up to 120 feet in diameter. It is also 140-feet tall.
This was designated as the official city landmark in 1995 and remains to be the main feature on the skyline of the city. If it looks familiar, that is because it appeared in two Marvel movies, namely Iron Man 2 and Captain America the First Avenger.
Eiffel Tower, Paris
The Eiffel Tower in Paris, France has got to be one of the most famous steel sculptures in the world. In retrospect, the Eiffel Tower will not be the first thing in mind when one thinks about metal sculptures, but this tower has represented France to the whole world.
Built between 1887 and 1889, Gustave Eiffel engineered the building, which is the second tallest building in France, with its height of 1,063 feet. Just like Unisphere Sculpture in New York, this was built for the World’s Fair. It is now considered as a national heritage and has been a symbol of France for many decades now.
Brooklyn Bridge, New York
Brooklyn Bridge has become one of the most iconic bridges in America. Spanning the East River, this famous bridge connects the New York boroughs in Brooklyn and Manhattan. This bridge is made of steel and was the first ever-suspending steel-wire bridge that was ever built. Designed by John Augustus Roebling, this bridge was also made of cement, limestone and granite.
Chicago Picasso, Chicago
Pablo Picasso, the renowned artist, created this abstract piece and was dedicated as a gift in the year 1967. This piece was made of COR-TEN steel, and was done by the American Bridge Company based in Gary, Indiana.
This is also known as the first public cubist artwork. Currently located at Chicago’s Daley Plaza, this sculpture is loved by people, mostly children, because they can climb the base of the sculpture and slide back down again.
Statue of Liberty, New York
A list of famous metal sculptures wouldn’t be complete without including the world-renowned Statue of Liberty. This was a gift of France to United States in 1886 as a sign of peace and liberty.
Made of copper, the statue was also made by none other than the same man who made the Eiffel Tower, French Engineer Gustave Eiffel, and was designed by Frederic Auguste Bartholdi. It has served as an icon of the US become a sight to behold for both Americans and tourists. Steel is a formidable material with various applications across a wide range of industries. But what it can contribute to nation building, it can also do to cultivate a deeper appreciation of art.
