Levitated Mass

"Levitated Mass" is a monumental public art sculpture by Michael Heizer, unveiled in 2012 at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). This striking installation features a 340-ton boulder suspended above a 456-foot-long pathway, allowing visitors to experience it from every angle. The sculpture garnered significant attention in the art world, not only for its immense size and cost but also for the extraordinary journey it undertook to reach its final destination. The boulder's 106-mile trek from the Jurupa Valley Quarry in Riverside County to LACMA became a media sensation.

Visitors can view "Levitated Mass" during museum hours, conveniently located near the iconic "Urban Light" sculpture. The artwork features a massive boulder set within a concrete trench, surrounded by decomposed granite. Initially, the design intended for the boulder to appear as if it were floating, creating an optical illusion. However, support shelves were later added, which somewhat diminished this effect. Heizer, who often leaves the meanings of his works open to interpretation, has described "Levitated Mass" as "static art" intended to last for 3,500 years.

The concept for "Levitated Mass" dates back to 1968 when Heizer first envisioned the project. The boulder itself was discovered in 2006, but it wasn't until 2012, after overcoming numerous logistical challenges, that it finally arrived at LACMA. The project, which cost approximately $10 million, was funded entirely through private donations. Upon the boulder's arrival, it took an additional three months to complete the installation.

"Levitated Mass" received mixed reviews. Critics like Christopher Knight acknowledged its significance in the urban landscape but commented on the boulder's somewhat understated appearance. The boulder's epic journey also inspired various artistic responses, including a transatlantic action by French artist Régis Perray and a tribute piece by Mungo Thomson. Additionally, filmmaker Doug Pray documented the entire process in a film, and a short film titled "Boulder Mass: The Levitation" was also created.