St. Pete Pier’s ‘Bending Arc’ closed off after sculpture found partially loose

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Public access to the greenspace underneath St. Pete Pier’s “Bending Arc” has been closed off after employees found the a section of the net sculpture sagging Thursday morning.

The 424-foot-long sculpture by artist Janet Echelman came loose from one of its “secondary connectors on the southern end, a non-structural component,” according to Chris Ballestra, Managing Director of Development for the City of St. Petersburg. Ballestra said the frayed connection is about 12 feet off the ground. 

The sculpture’s nighttime lighting has been displaying Pride Month colors. A report from inspectors did not indicate a cause for the partial collapse, although vandalism was ruled out.

Ballestra said he is committed to getting the sculpture fixed and lighted for St. Pete Pride events next weekend.