Help is on the way for Chris Burden’s Urban Light! Since its installation on LACMA’s campus in 2008, the beloved public sculpture has provided a show-stopping backdrop to countless pictures, selfies, and movies.  

 

"I like that time is marked by each sunrise and sunset whether or not you actually see it." —Catherine Opie @csopie #lacma #catherineopie #sunset #chrisburden #UrbanLight

A photo posted by Los Angeles County Museum of Art (@lacma) on Mar 2, 2016 at 6:05pm PST

 

The 202 vintage lampposts that comprise Chris Burden's "Urban Light" installation create a temple-like entryway on Wilshire Boulevard, welcoming visitors to the museum. #lacma #chrisburden #urbanlight #whpsplitsecond

A photo posted by Los Angeles County Museum of Art (@lacma) on Jan 24, 2016 at 9:40pm PST

 

Today, on the #firstdayofwinter, it's raining in Southern California! This photo was taken on Saturday evening, but you can recreate this shot at dusk today, or on any other rainy day. Download our mobile app to get a notifications for the exact time Chris Burden's "Urban Light" will illuminate on the day of your visit. (Just enable bluetooth and location settings and be sure to check your app when you're standing near the installation.) #regram via @willnichols #LACMAPlusYou #lacma #UrbanLight #ChrisBurden #rainyday #reflections

A photo posted by Los Angeles County Museum of Art (@lacma) on Dec 22, 2015 at 2:33pm PST

Eight years in, Urban Light is due for a makeover. Constant exposure to the elements has caused paint to oxidize and blanch, and the coating on some parts has flaked off, causing the pole underneath to rust. 

Rust on Urban Light, photo courtesy Mark Gilberg

Blanched and patchy paint on poles, photo courtesy Mark Gilberg

To restore the popular installation to its glory, LACMA contracted experts who painted the White House and added anti-graffiti coating on Levitated Mass. Beginning on May 2, the southern part of Urban Light will be fenced off to clean the posts and treat rust before priming and painting; after that portion is complete, the northern side will be closed and treated. Though the project will take about two months, half of the installation will be open for you to enjoy at all times.

The restoration has been planned for quite a while. Last year, LACMA’s conservators tested various different paint systems to determine the best one, and they landed on one that resembles the original paint in color and sheen, goes on well, and is durable. The new paint also complies with California’s VOC regulations. 

Check back for updates and a behind-the-scenes look at what goes on in conserving the lamps!