The City of London has once again been transformed into an open-air art gallery with the unveiling of large-scale public art installations for the 14th edition of Sculpture in the City, the annual urban sculpture park showcasing works by renowned and emerging artists alike.
Set against the striking backdrop of the City of London’s iconic architecture, the 2025 edition of Sculpture in the City features headline artworks by internationally acclaimed artists Ai Weiwei, Andrew Sabin, and artist duo Jane and Louise Wilson. The new installations explore themes of displacement, memory, and the fusion of ancient knowledge with cutting-edge technology.
Ai Weiwei’s “Roots: Palace” Unveiled at St Botolph without Bishopsgate
One of the most striking new additions is Ai Weiwei’s monumental sculpture, Roots: Palace. Created in collaboration with Brazilian artisans using traditional lost-wax casting techniques, the piece is crafted from moulds of endangered Pequi Vinagreiro tree roots. Installed at St Botolph without Bishopsgate, the work reflects on displacement and uprootedness, resonating with Ai’s personal exile, the global refugee crisis, and the struggles of Brazil’s Indigenous peoples. The sculpture trail adds a deep narrative layer to the City’s evolving relationship with public art.
Jane and Louise Wilson Explore Ancient London at The Leadenhall Building
Located beneath the escalators of The Leadenhall Building, Dendrophiles by Jane and Louise Wilson delves into the City of London’s hidden history. The piece combines 3D scans of 2,000-year-old oak excavated from the site of Bloomberg’s European headquarters with DNA imagery developed in partnership with the Department of Biohybrid Architecture at the Royal Danish Academy and MOLA, London. Through this artwork, the twins draw connections between modern technology, ancient landscapes, and the fading tradition of hands-on knowledge.
Andrew Sabin’s “Looping Loop” Captivates at 70 St Mary Axe
At 70 St Mary Axe, Andrew Sabin’s new artwork, Looping Loop, commands attention. First sculpted in soft margarine to create textured moulds, the sculpture is formed using brightly coloured, solid materials. Its rhythmic, undulating form invites viewers to walk around it, observing subtle shifts in shape, colour, and mood. This immersive piece adds vitality to the rotating gallery space that defines Sculpture in the City.
Highlights from the 13th Edition Remain on View
Several artworks from the 13th edition of Sculpture in the City remain on display, enriching this annual urban sculpture park:
- Maya Rose Edwards’ Kissing Gate (Aldgate Square) invites urban interaction with a rural icon.
- Richard Mackness’ Temple (99 Bishopsgate) reimagines a simple paper bag as a gilded monument.
- Julian Opie’s digital-portrait-inspired figures (Charles, Jiwon, Nethaneel, and Elena) at 100 Bishopsgate reflect classic and contemporary portraiture.
- Samuel Ross’ CAUCUS (Mitre Square) encourages tactile engagement from passers-by.
- Two stone-and-bronze head sculptures by Daniel Silver, from his Rock Formations series, continue to anchor 40 Leadenhall with classical inspiration.
Permanent Public Art in the City of London
Reflecting the City of London Corporation’s ongoing investment in culture, two artworks from previous editions are now permanent:
- Oliver Bragg’s In Loving Memory places humorous engraved plaques on benches, memorialising abstract concepts.
- Elisa Artesero’s The Garden of Floating Words uses neon poetry to create a serene gallery space outside 70 St Mary Axe.
Activations Programme and London Sculpture Week
Running alongside the 2025 exhibition is a rich programme of public engagement, including:
- Silent disco sessions (with MSCTY)
- Little Art Critics TV workshops for children
- Cocktail & Create sessions
- Curated tours and BSL guides
- A special panel for World Mental Health Day titled Sculpting Perspectives: The Art of Connection
Visitors can also enjoy multimedia content via the free Bloomberg Connects app and architecture-inspired sound art through MSCTY x Sculpture in the City.
The project is a founding partner of London Sculpture Week, taking place 20–28 September 2025, in collaboration with Frieze Sculpture, The Line, and the Mayor of London’s Fourth Plinth Programme.
A Cultural Legacy for the City of London
Sculpture in the City is delivered by the City of London Corporation alongside Lacuna, a leading cultural studio, affirming The City’s reputation as a vibrant cultural hub.
Stella Ioannou, Artistic Director of Sculpture in the City and Director of Lacuna, said:
“Even in our 14th edition, the magic of this evolving outdoor exhibition never fades. Each new sculpture sparks dialogue between the public, the architecture, and the stories of our time.”
Brendan Barns, Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committee, added:
“This project epitomises how we embed culture into everyday life in the Square Mile. It reflects The City of London’s unique ability to blend heritage with innovation.”
With installations accessible 24 hours a day and scattered throughout the City, Sculpture in the City returns in 2025 as a sculpture park that uses London’s streets as its canvas, welcoming residents, workers, and tourists alike to experience contemporary art in an unexpected setting.