Loveland isn’t just an art-loving city. It’s a city built on art. From bronze sculptures to vibrant murals, creativity is woven into the streets, parks and public spaces. And unlike many world-class art destinations, Loveland’s collection comes without the price of an admission ticket. With more than $12.5 million worth of public art spread throughout the city, you can experience museum-quality work in the open air year-round.
Why Sculpture Thrives Here
Loveland’s deep connection to sculpture goes beyond admiration. The city is home to three internationally recognized bronze foundries as well as a sculpture finishing house. A foundry is a specialized workshop where metal is melted, poured into molds and transformed into finished bronze sculptures. This is a highly skilled process that often takes months from concept to completion.
Because of Loveland’s reputation for quality craftsmanship, artists from all over the world send their work here to be cast. Once complete, many of these pieces are installed in public spaces, showcased at sculpture shows or shipped to collectors and galleries. That’s part of why Loveland has one of the richest concentrations of public sculpture anywhere in the United States. While you’ll find impressive sculptures spread throughout the city, here are some of the best places to see sculptures in high concentration.
Benson Sculpture Garden
No trip to explore Loveland’s art scene is complete without the Benson Sculpture Garden, one of the most acclaimed outdoor sculpture parks in the nation. Currently, 189 works in bronze, stone, wood and other materials are placed along winding paths, grassy lawns and ponds. Best of all, admission is free.
While it’s beautiful year-round, Benson shines in the fall when vibrant foliage frames each piece. The park is also the site of Sculpture in the Park, the largest outdoor juried sculpture show in the country.
Chapungu Sculpture Park
Located next to The Promenade Shops at Centerra, Chapungu Sculpture Park spans 26 acres and showcases 82 hand-carved Zimbabwean stone sculptures. The works tell stories of family, heritage and the human connection to the natural world. This destination is another place that shines in the fall. The combination of stone, native landscaping and golden sunlight creates a peaceful space to wander.
The Foote Lagoon
For a mix of art and atmosphere, head downtown to the Foote Lagoon. In summer, it’s the setting for live concerts, but even in the off-season, the sculpture-lined paths are worth a stroll.
McWhinney-Hahn Sculpture Park
McWhinney-Hahn Sculpture Park is conveniently located at the East Gateway Visitors Center at 5400 Stone Creek Circle, which features bronze pieces placed around a tranquil pond. It’s a great first stop for visitors arriving from Interstate 25.
Love Lock Sculptures
Loveland’s love lock sculptures are both a public art installation and a hands-on tradition. Visitors can purchase a padlock, inscribe it and attach it to one of three large-scale sculptures as a symbol of love, friendship or personal meaning. The three current sculptures are:
- Original “LOVE” Sculpture – Near the East Gateway Visitors Center at 5400 Stone Creek Circle.
- Lake Loveland Sculpture – Southeast corner of Lake Loveland at West Eisenhower Boulevard and Lake Drive.
- New Downtown Sculpture – Outside the Loveland Museum at 503 N. Lincoln Ave.
Each was designed and engineered by local artist Doug Rutledge to hold hundreds of locks safely.
Murals & Other Public Art
Loveland’s creativity isn’t limited to sculpture. Downtown streets are dotted with over 20 colorful murals, each with its own style and story. You’ll have to wander around to see them all, but don’t miss the giant mural on the side of the Foundry Parking Garage between North Cleveland Avenue and North Lincoln Avenue on East Second Street. You can also find several collaborative mosaic-style murals painted by the community at the annual Sweetheart Festival, which occurs on the second weekend of February. After the festival, the artist assembles the artwork in various locations downtown.
You’ll also spot 44 artist-painted hearts scattered around the city as part of the City with HeART program, perfect for selfies and scavenger hunts. The hearts are five feet tall and 4.5 feet wide and are individually sponsored, often by local businesses. Take your picture with all 44, bring your photos to either Visitors Center location and get a souvenir from the City of Loveland.
Your Public Art Day in Loveland
To see as much as you can in a day, here’s a suggested route:
- Start at Chapungu Sculpture Park, surrounded by monumental stone works, and take a stroll through this stunning and unique park designed for calm and contemplation.
- Head to Loveland’s East Gateway Visitors Center, where you can pick up a public art map, snap a photo at the original love lock sculpture and browse the gift shop for local artisan goods. You can also see the McWhinney-Hahn Sculpture Park here.
- Travel west and stop off at the Lake Loveland love lock sculpture and take a photo with the stunning Rocky Mountains in the background.
- Head to the north side of the lake to visit Benson Sculpture Garden, where you could easily spend at least an hour wandering the paths and taking in nearly 190 works.
- Go downtown for lunch. Fuel up at one of Loveland’s locally owned cafes or breweries. Walk around to spot various murals and painted hearts.
- While in downtown, visit the newest love lock sculpture located outside the Loveland Museum. Have questions about any of the art you’ve seen so far? The Loveland Museum is also home to the second Visitors Center.
- Wrap up your time downtown by walking to the Foote Lagoon. Take in the art and peaceful waterfront setting.
Why It’s Worth the Trip to Loveland
Public art in Loveland isn’t just decoration. It’s part of the city’s identity. From the skilled hands in its foundries to the open parks and streets that welcome everyone to experience it, Loveland has built a reputation as a creative hub that doesn’t put art behind a paywall.
Whether you’re a dedicated art lover or just someone who appreciates a good photo op, Loveland’s $12.5 million public art collection offers something special: a chance to experience world-class creativity in the middle of your everyday adventure.