ARLINGTON — Arlington is getting significantly more art on its streets this year, with 16 new public art pieces going up across the city as part of an expanded push into arts and culture, according to the City of Arlington.
The city’s Parks, Recreation & Culture Department was renamed this year to reflect a bigger focus on arts and culture, a shift that opened the door to adding numerous new public art pieces throughout Arlington’s parks and community spaces.
Gary Packan, director of Arlington’s Parks, Recreation & Culture Department, said public art plays an important role in the city. He said it helps turn everyday places into meaningful experiences, creates moments of connection, and tells the city’s story in ways words alone can’t.
Here’s what’s already up and what’s still coming this year:
“Heartfullness” went in first. This large metal heart sculpture was installed along the Entertainment District Sculpture Trail in Dr. Robert Cluck Linear Park and dedicated on Feb. 5, 2026. It’s funded through the city’s Convention and Events Services Fund, which draws largely from the Hotel Occupancy Tax paid by visitors and reserved for tourism and art projects.
“The Path We Share” followed in May. Two murals depicting the range of people who make up Arlington’s community were painted on the walls flanking the Ken Brimer Bridge in Richard Greene Linear Park, also funded through the Hotel Occupancy Tax.
“Texan Golden Boot” arrived that same month. Donated by the FIFA World Cup 2026 Committee, the piece combines a soccer cleat and a spur and was installed near Stadium Drive and Cowboys Way.
Leased art started showing up in early June. Three sculptures from local artists will sit along Johnson Creek in Richard Greene Linear Park for the next few years, with one more piece scheduled to arrive this fall. These are also Hotel Occupancy Tax-funded.
“Play Ball!” landed June 18. Donated by the Downtown Arlington Management Corporation, this whimsical sculpture now sits at the Doggie Depot Dog Park in Downtown Arlington.
Looking ahead, several pieces tied to Arlington’s 150th anniversary are still on the way. A “Dream” mural honoring the diversity of Arlington’s community is headed to Downtown this fall, sponsored by the Communities Foundation of North Texas, with a companion mural planned for the International Corridor in October, sponsored by the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation.
A Spirit Horse sculpture, done in partnership with the University of Texas at Arlington, will land in the Urban Union area of Downtown Arlington this fall, linking the district to the neighboring UT Arlington campus.
Four more 150th Anniversary murals are set to go up along Lamar Street, Fielder Street, and North Cooper Street in North Arlington, installed in phases from August through November and funded by the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation.
Rounding things out is “Touched by Time,” a one-of-a-kind piece featuring a glass column and sundial designed to connect visitors with the city’s history. It’ll sit on the northwest corner of Levitt Pavilion and Founders Plaza, also funded by the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation.
Once all 16 pieces are in place, Arlington’s official public art collection will grow to more than 35 works citywide.
