1. Las Vegas Showgirl Sign – Las Vegas, Nevada
Installed near the north end of the Strip, this pair of towering fiberglass showgirls wave to drivers and tourists alike, Paul Szydelko from Travel Weekly explains. They’re designed to reflect the city’s entertainment legacy and retro glamor. Visitors stop for selfies with the flashy figures, seeing them as a piece of old Vegas charm. The neon flair is unmistakably Vegas.
But residents find them cheesy and misplaced. They’re not even vintage—just a recent homage that feels like theme park nostalgia. Many locals feel they reduce the city’s rich culture to clichés. Flashy doesn’t always mean meaningful.
2. Blue Mustang (aka Blucifer) – Denver, Colorado
At 32 feet tall with glowing red eyes, “Blucifer” terrifies and fascinates in equal measure. Positioned at Denver International Airport, the massive blue horse is the first thing many visitors see when they arrive, Patricia Calhoun from Westword explains. It’s bizarre, bold, and impossible to ignore. Tourists treat it like a creepy rite of passage.
But locals have a complicated relationship with it. The sculpture famously killed its creator, Luis Jiménez, when a piece fell on him during construction. Its ominous vibe has led to countless conspiracy theories about the airport. While some Denverites defend it as unique, others wish it wasn’t the city’s unofficial greeter.
3. Forever Marilyn – Palm Springs, California
This towering 26-foot statue of Marilyn Monroe, caught mid-skirt-flutter from The Seven Year Itch, is impossible to miss. Tourists love it—people line up just to pose between her heels or snap goofy selfies. But locals? Not so thrilled.
Some find the statue outdated and overly kitschy, while others have raised concerns about its placement facing a children’s museum. It’s been removed and reinstalled more than once, sparking debate every time, according to Dan Kois from Slate. While visitors see it as a playful homage, many residents view it as an eyesore in an otherwise classy desert town. Still, she draws a crowd—love her or not.
4. Cadillac Ranch – Amarillo, Texas
Just off Route 66, ten vintage Cadillacs stand nose-down in the Texas dirt, their tail fins jutting into the sky like a surreal car graveyard. Created in 1974 by the art collective Ant Farm, the installation invites visitors to spray-paint the cars, turning them into ever-changing canvases. Tourists are enchanted by the quirky Americana vibe and the freedom to leave their mark, Joe Nick Patoski from Texas Highways explains. It’s a must-see stop for road-trippers seeking that perfect Instagram shot.
Locals, however, have a more complicated relationship with the site. Some appreciate its artistic value, but others see it as an eyesore that attracts litter and vandalism. The constant influx of visitors can lead to traffic congestion and environmental concerns. While it’s a symbol of creative expression to many, for some residents, it’s a reminder of the challenges that come with being a tourist hotspot.
5. The Awakening – National Harbor, Maryland
This massive sculpture of a giant emerging from the earth looks like something out of a myth. With a face in agony and limbs jutting from the ground, it’s both dramatic and surreal. Kids love climbing on it, and tourists are fascinated by the unexpectedness of it all. Originally in D.C., it was moved to National Harbor, where it now pulls in busloads of visitors.
Locals miss its original placement at Hains Point and often grumble that the move was just a gimmick to spice up a commercial development. The sculpture itself isn’t the problem—it’s the context. In National Harbor, it feels a bit forced, like it’s trying too hard to be edgy. For many residents, it’s just not the same.
6. Metalmorphosis – Charlotte, North Carolina
This massive mirrored head made of rotating steel plates sits in a business park in Charlotte. When it’s running, the pieces shift and spin to form a face, mesmerizing viewers. Tourists find it hypnotic, futuristic, and endlessly fascinating. It’s a hidden gem for those in the know.
Locals, though, are more skeptical. It’s often turned off for maintenance, which frustrates anyone hoping to show it off. Some say it feels disconnected from the city’s character—more like a corporate art stunt than true culture. Cool to see once, sure—but it’s not winning hearts.
7. What Lifts You Mural – Nashville, Tennessee
Painted by artist Kelsey Montague, the “What Lifts You” mural in Nashville’s Gulch neighborhood has become a must-see for tourists. Its large, intricate wings invite visitors to stand in front and become part of the artwork, making it a popular photo spot. The mural’s hashtags, like #WhatLiftsYou and #NashvilleGulch, have further amplified its presence on social media platforms. For many, it’s a symbol of Nashville’s vibrant and artistic spirit.
However, some locals have grown weary of the constant crowds and commercialization associated with the mural, according to Jelisa Castrodale from VICE. The influx of tourists often leads to long lines, obstructing sidewalks and creating congestion in the area. Additionally, there’s a sentiment that the mural caters more to visitors seeking Instagram-worthy moments than to the local community’s artistic values. This dichotomy highlights the tension between public art’s role in community identity and its appeal as a tourist attraction.
8. Fremont Troll – Seattle, Washington
Under a bridge in the quirky Fremont neighborhood lurks a giant troll clutching a Volkswagen Beetle. It’s become a beloved oddity for tourists who love its whimsical weirdness. Kids climb all over it, and visitors flock to get their photo taken in its grasp. It’s pure Pacific Northwest eccentricity.
But the charm wears off quickly for locals. It clogs a quiet residential street with foot traffic and makes parking a nightmare. Some neighbors have called it more trouble than it’s worth. It’s cool the first time—after that, it’s just inconvenient.
9. Big Rubber Duck – Various Locations
This enormous yellow duck, created by Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman, has floated into harbors from Los Angeles to Pittsburgh. It’s cute, absurd, and massive—some versions reach over 60 feet tall. People love how silly it is and flock to see it whenever it makes a stop. Social media eats it up.
Locals, however, often roll their eyes. It’s a temporary installation that clogs waterfronts and can feel a bit juvenile. Some question the public funding or logistics behind hosting it. It’s fun for a day, then it just feels like a big traffic headache.
10. “LOVE” Sculpture – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Robert Indiana’s “LOVE” sculpture is basically Instagram gold. It’s simple, iconic, and sits proudly in LOVE Park, drawing thousands of photos each week. Tourists see it as the perfect symbol of Philly’s spirit. And yes, it’s even featured on postage stamps.
Locals, however, find it a little overplayed. Some argue it doesn’t really reflect the city’s grit or complexity. Plus, the park has seen its share of renovations and issues, making the area around it feel less inviting at times. To many residents, it’s become a tired postcard cliché.
11. Statue of Hiawatha – La Crosse, Wisconsin
Erected in 1962, the 25-foot-tall concrete Statue of Hiawatha stood prominently in Riverside Park, La Crosse, Wisconsin. Intended to boost tourism, it depicted a stylized Native American figure, loosely based on the legendary Hiawatha. Tourists often found it a charming photo opportunity, appreciating its bold presence near the Mississippi River. For decades, it was a recognizable landmark for visitors passing through the area.
However, many locals, especially members of the Ho-Chunk Nation, viewed the statue as a misrepresentation and caricature of Indigenous cultures. Critics highlighted that Hiawatha had no direct connection to the local tribes, and the statue’s generic features failed to honor specific Native American identities. Over time, concerns about cultural insensitivity and the statue’s deteriorating condition intensified. In 2020, after years of debate and advocacy, the city removed the statue, acknowledging its controversial nature and the need for more respectful representations of Indigenous peoples.
12. Bicentennial Capitol Mall Carillon – Nashville, Tennessee
The 95-bell carillon at Bicentennial Park is meant to be a grand tribute to Tennessee history. The bells play regularly and the tall towers look striking from a distance. Tourists often wander in, impressed by the scale and sound. It adds gravitas to an area full of state symbolism.
But locals find the bells loud and occasionally jarring, especially during peaceful walks. The area can feel sterile, more like a government installation than public space. Some feel it lacks warmth or community connection. Impressive? Maybe. Beloved? Not really.
13. The People’s Totem – San Francisco, California
This stacked wooden sculpture stands tall in Potrero del Sol Park, layered with symbolic carvings. It aims to reflect diversity and neighborhood history. Visitors are intrigued by the unusual design and deep meaning. It often sparks conversation.
Locals, though, are divided. Some love it, but others feel it’s visually awkward and poorly maintained. It doesn’t always blend with the park’s vibe, and graffiti is a constant issue. Even good intentions can lead to mixed reviews.
14. The Embrace – Boston, Massachusetts
Unveiled in 2023 on Boston Common, “The Embrace” is a 22-foot-tall bronze sculpture by Hank Willis Thomas, commemorating Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King. It depicts four intertwined arms, inspired by a photograph of the couple hugging after Dr. King’s Nobel Peace Prize win. Tourists often find it a powerful and modern tribute to the civil rights leaders. Its abstract form invites contemplation and has become a notable stop for visitors.
However, many locals have expressed dissatisfaction with the piece. Critics argue that the absence of the Kings’ faces makes the sculpture confusing and impersonal. Some have gone so far as to describe it as “aesthetically unpleasant” or even “insulting to the Black community.” The mixed reactions highlight the challenges of interpreting public art and its resonance with the community.
