La Grande Vitesse, Grand Rapids

Standing boldly in the heart of Grand Rapids, La Grande Vitesse is a striking red steel sculpture by renowned American artist Alexander Calder. Installed in 1969 on the large concrete plaza between City Hall and the Kent County Building, this monumental artwork has become the city’s unofficial emblem, even influencing its official logo. The name, French for "the great swiftness", is also a nod to the city's name, translating as "Grand Rapids."

Fabricated in Tours, France, the sculpture was Calder’s first large-scale public commission funded by the National Endowment for the Arts’ Art in Public Places program. The massive piece-43 feet tall, 54 feet long, and 30 feet wide, weighing 42 tons-arrived in 27 carefully packed pieces and was assembled on-site like an enormous steel jigsaw puzzle. Witnesses recall the dramatic process of its construction, from the welding sparks to the final coat of Calder’s signature bright red paint.

Known affectionately by locals as "The Calder", La Grande Vitesse has remained a defining landmark of Grand Rapids, a favorite backdrop for photos, and a centerpiece for public events. More than just a sculpture, it represents the city's long-standing commitment to public art and cultural innovation.