The Liverpool Tate

The sculpture by Ugo Rondinone depicting a stack of colorful stones indicates that you’re in front of the Tate Museum of Liverpool. Though less impressive than its counterpart in London, it’s still a must-visit for contemporary art enthusiasts, featuring excellent collections including a free permanent exhibition. The sculpture, named Liverpool Mountain, is the Swiss artist’s first public artwork in the UK. It draws inspiration from Hoodoos, natural rock formations nicknamed fairy chimneys, shaped by a column of friable rock topped with a different type of stone hat. You might have seen them in real life or in photos! Famous examples include the Hoodoos of Bryce Canyon, the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, or the “demoiselles coiffées” of Sauze du Lac in the French Alps. This 10-meter-high artwork reminds us of the art of balance and commemorates various anniversaries: the 10th anniversary of the city being named European Capital of Culture, the 20th anniversary of the Liverpool Biennial, and the 30th anniversary of the Tate Museum. To top it all off, it adds a welcome splash of color to the monochromatic warehouses of Albert Dock’s.