Random Rambler: The LOVE Sculpture

Monday, May 25, 2026

The LOVE Sculpture

One of Robert Indiana’s iconic LOVE Sculpture now resides on the front lawn of the Utah Museum of Fine Arts (UMFA) facing Campus Drive. It is free to visit, you don’t need to by a ticket to the museum. We were having a fun explore day and were not far so we decided to come check it out.

Quick Details:

Length: Depends on where you park.
Trail Type: Get out and see.
Difficulty: Get out and see, DR1
Elevation Gain: NA
Restroom: There are some in the museum, but that is a fee area. Doesn’t hurt to ask though, otherwise, you will need to find a gas station.
Dogs? Dogs are allowed on city sidewalks, I am not sure about their lawn though.
Other Info: This sculpture is free to see.

To Get Here:

Take i80 to 7th east and head north. Turn right on 5th South. Turn left on Campus Center Dr. Just past Rice Eccles Stadium. Use the first exit in the roundabout to South Campus Dr. Turn left on 1725 E. And it will be on the left, parking on the right. If the road starts curving to the east, you went to far.

University Pharmacy (PSP). I like the NEON sign.

The original location for The Pie is underneath it. Some of the best pizza in Utah. Established 1980.

Rice Eccles Stadium (PSP).

The 2002 Olympics Olympic Torch.

The Adventure:

The back of the Stadium from the UMFA Lawn.

First glimpse.

It was sculpted by Robert Indiana. the design was conceived in 1966 and it was fabricated in 1999.

Closer.

It’s shadow.

Directly in front. This arrived here at UMFA February 4, 2026 so it has only been here a few months. Before here is was located in midtown Manhattan, and briefly at Rockefeller Center. So it is particularly well known.

I found a picture of it in New York. *Image from Wikipedia (outside link)

And the original postcard piece. *Also from Wikipedia.

The LOVE design is also a focal point of the LGBTQ+ rights movement since is was revealed to be inspired by the break up of Indiana's partner Ellsworth Kelly. So, it has a special place in my heart. And it means a lot to me that the university brought one to Utah. Particularly considering the legislators continued onslaught against the LGBTQ+ community.

There are over 50 Love sculptures around the world in 7 sizes and 28 color combinations..

The back.

The University of Utah purchased it through Christies when it went for sale in 2024. It says it is worth $4.5 million.

The shadow again.

The front again.

UMFA flag (PSP).

Well, that was neat! I love larger than life art. And I love when they are outside and free to enjoy. Everybody should be able to get a chance to appreciate art. I don’t think I would make a special trip to see it, but it was worth stopping by while we were nearby. 8 out of 10 squirrels.