Public Art
We have an extensive collection of over 200 public art works and heritage monuments, which we are building on with newly-commissioned work.
There are works spread throughout the city so why not take a walk around your neighbourhood and check out the artists who have created works for Maribyrnong.
Below you'll find but a few of the works on offer:
Welcome to Footscray by Brook Andrew
88 Hopkins St, Footscray
The Illuminate Footscray commission artistically revives the façade on 88 Hopkins St, Footscray with a light-based public art commission that reflects the spatial synergy and ever-shifting essence of Footscray’s community. Nationally and internationally acclaimed Wiradjuri and Ngunnawal artist, and long-time resident of Footscray, Brook Andrew was selected for the commission. His new public artwork titled Welcome to Footscray acts as a playful and dynamic gateway into the Footscray central business district. This work was funded by a partnership between Maribyrnong City Council and the Victorian State Government. Read more about the partnership and the artwork by visiting the Welcome to Footscray webpage.
Pipedreams by Matthew Harding
Thompson Reserve, Maribyrnong
Commissioned for Pipemakers Park as part of Council’s master plan by renowned Australian public sculptor and designer, Matthew Harding.
This striking sculpture is fabricated from 32 kilometers of marine grade stainless steel rod and tube, stands eight metres tall by 12 metres wide and incorporates changing pattern of lights from dusk until midnight.
The concept design was inspired by historical working methods used in the pipe making industries, in particular, the steel cages built to reinforce concrete pipes produced for many decades at Pipemakers Park.
People by Truc
Skinner Reserve, Braybrook Community Hub, Braybrook
Created by TRUC – collaboration between artists Jonathan Leahey and David Burrows, the sculpture is fabricated from two 7-metre tall interlocked, abstracted figures in Corten steel. Mounted on rotational bearings each figure pivots on its central axis in the wind.
Welcome Bowl by Vicki Couzens, Maree Clark and Jeph Neale
Corner Nicholson Street and Paisely Sreet, Footscray
Wominjeka Tarnuk Yooroom is a collaboration between artists Vicki Couzens, Maree Clark and Jeph Neale. The site specific work comprises 10 large granite boulders to signify the ‘coolamon’ or welcome bowl emerging through the urban landscape, situated at key points across the Paisley Street and Nicholson Street mall junction.
Pollyanna's Egg by Archinauts
Braybrook Community Hub, Braybrok
Created by Archinaut''s architect duo Jannette Le and Sahra Stoltz - the artwork is based on the true story of a 12-year-old Braybrook resident Trena Telford and her pet goose, Pollyanna reported in the Argus. Carved from recycled timber, raised on a concrete plinth, and features an interior time capsule.
Meniscus by Cliff Burtt
Sculpture Park , Edgewater Estate
A latin word meaning crescent shaped body, Meniscus is an imposing two piece sculpture inspired by the river and history of the Maribyrnong region.
Two Persons Hugging by Bruce Armstrong
Vipoint Street, Footscray
An early work by renowned sculptor, Bruce Armstrong, known for his large, rough-hewn timber works carved with a chainsaw.
Armstrong uses animals and birds in his work which embraces the fantastical, the mythic, the folkloric and the fairytale.
Dream House Sculpture by Frank Veldze
Parker Street Reserve
Created by Frank Veldze, a local artist with a strong reputation in the arts.
Dream House is a life-sized replica of a traditional worker’s cottage, and is made entirely from mattress frames.
With and With Each Other by Tom Bills
NIcholson Steet and Ballarat Road
The 56-tonne, concrete sculpture fabricated by post-war American artist and academic Tom Bills for the Construction in Process VI: The Bridge international arts event in Footscray, in 1998.
Fabricated in two halves, it reflects the minimalism movement spearheaded by American Donald Judd.
Flathead by Les 'Lally' Saunders
Joseph Road Embankment Parklands
Flathead was created by artist Les ‘Lally’ Saunders (Yorta Yorta and Dja-Dja Wurrung Elder) over a 12-month period, with work completed in 2000.
The artist collected river stones to incorporate into the artwork which depicts the ancient flathead fish that lived in the Maribyrnong River.
Since Lally's passing, his family continue to care for the artwork in partnership with Maribyrnong City Council.
Arch for Reconciliation by Brian Paulusz
Joseph Road Embankment parklands
Arch for Reconciliation (1997) by Brian Paulusz is located on the Maribyrnong River frontage. As an immigrant to Australia, the title of Paulusz's work is in reference to strengthening relationships and fostering understanding between multicultural Australians and First Nations peoples. The sculpture is constructed from basalt.
In 2025, Arch for Reconciliation was relocated to the Joseph Road Embankment parklands, from its previous home at Footscray Community Arts. This is due to their building of a new Amphitheatre aimed at boosting their capacity to support the arts in our community.
James Cuming Memorial by Unknown Artist
Yarraville Gardens, Yarraville
Marble bust commissioned by public subscription and carved by Margaret Baskerville (c. 1915-16) in honour of James Cuming, industrialist, Councillor and philanthropist.
Erected by the citizens in appreciation of his significant contribution to the community.