Numerous sculpture series have captured the spirit and history of a city, but Illumina, located outside the convention center and arena in Omaha, Nebraska, showcases something entirely different. The colorful sculpture series display contains multiple pieces inspired by the 13th Century Carnival of Venice. By featuring something that’s so different and distinct from the rest of the city’s public art, Illumina has been able to capture the imagination of audiences from across the city and for the thousands of people that attend events at the convention center every year.
Inspired by the 13th Century Carnival of Venice
Created by artist Matthew Placzek and dedicated in 2007, Illumina’s bronze sculptures are reminiscent of an era in which performers, large sculptures and other forms of art were an active part of daily street life and local events. Anchored by a 35-foot stainless steel clock, Illumina features six, oversized bronze figures, including a 14-foot-tall stilts walker. Numerous multicolored spheres also adorn the area, adding depth and vibrancy to the sculpture series. These sculptures depict various performers that range from mimes to musicians to jugglers.
Inside the lobby, an illuminated sphere sculpture will produce a state-of-the-art light show in the evenings. The entire project, which Placzek cites as his largest and most important to date, consists of more than 2,000 LED lights, 4,000 pounds of bronze, 28,000 pounds of stainless steel and 360 tons of concrete.
Located within walking distance of other sculpture series that have direct ties to the history and culture of the city, Illumina represents something distinct and difference that residents and visitors have been able to appreciate to the point that it has become a recognizable element of tours and guides for Omaha. Illumina has helped the convention center attracts events by highlighting what makes the city and venue distinct, all of which have fed into an identity for all of Nebraska that engages audiences in a variety of ways.
An Unexpected Legacy
Few would expect to find an element of 13th-century Venice in modern Omaha, but that sense of the unexpected is part of what has allowed Illumina to make such an impact. Omaha prides itself on being able to welcome visitors with open arms and authentic Midwestern hospitality, and Illumina allows the city to convey that sense of ingenuity and openness in an incredibly unexpected way.
