Light Gate Sculpture Gets New Look In Manhattan Beach

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — The City of Manhattan Beach unveiled a new version of the popular Light Gate sculpture, located at the intersection of 14th Street and Highland Avenue between City Hall and the Manhattan Beach Library, the City announced Friday.

The Light Gate "refresh" features five glass panels replaced with decorative glass that exhibit a color shift through transmitted and reflected light. Visitors will see an array of colors through the sculpture, depending on the viewing angle and lighting, the City press release said.

"The Light Gate is a vital art piece in our City and this exciting enhancement is an example of our City’s commitment to excellence in our public art," said Mayor Nancy Hersman.

The sculpture originally had fused glass embedded with a film that was designed to create a prism-like refraction when hit by sunlight, the City said. City Staff collaborated with the Light Gate artists to replace the existing fused glass panels without altering the intent, integrity or authenticity of the sculpture due to fading.

On March 6, the City Council approved the disbursement of funds from the Public Arts Trust Fund, at the recommendation of the Cultural Arts Commission, to replace the glass panels on the sculpture using dichroic glass products (preferred for architectural use in sunlight) which have a ten-year warranty.

"The City is happy to see the art piece restored to its novel beauty while celebrating the City’s past and inspiring future generations in the arts with such innovative techniques," Mayor Hersman said.

The City of Manhattan Beach will be organizing a re-dedication of the refreshed artwork on November 14, to celebrate and observe the setting sun through the keyhole.