FIRST LOOK | Tampa Convention Center Unveils 62 foot Public Art Piece News Art and Cultural Affairs, News Convention Center, News General, News Mayor Office Tampa Convention[...]

The award-winning Tampa Convention Center, already renowned for its beauty, elegance, and waterfront location, is now three times more gorgeous thanks to three new public art pieces that capture elements iconic to Tampa.

Over the past 16 months, Recurrence (February 2025), Digital Fulminology (February 2026), and When Smoke Rises (June 2026) have been installed and are attracting deserved attention.

"Each artwork is inspirational and unique," Mayor Jane Castor said. "This exceptional facility now welcomes hundred of thousands of visitors and locals alike with iconic art that not just enhances their experience but helps tell the story of Tampa -- from the natural resources we rely on, like our waterways, to the myths and legends that are still with us today and have shaped our traditions, like Gasparilla."

• Recurrence is a wave-shaped structure that reflects the tides in Tampa. It brings the outside environment into the Convention Center, representing the meeting point of the natural world and our built environment. It was created by Luftwerk.
• Digital Fulminology is a light sculpture powered by a dynamic algorithm that simulates and animates lightning in a generative performance. It was created by Jason Bruges Studio.
• When Smoke Rises was installed last week. The ship mast and smoke evoke the mythology of our area. It was created by Kipp Kobayashi.

"This is public art at its best," Arts and Cultural Affairs Director Robin Nigh said. "Grounded in place, each is quintessentially Tampa, and provides free access to artistic excellence. Some make the wonder of the natural world visible, others bring humor, some show the light of our times. There is something for everyone."

More information about each art piece can be viewed here.