Columbia Will Renovate City Hall Sculpture

The City of Columbia has contracted PCE Construction to perform maintenance on the 'Keys to the City' sculpture.

Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Utilities

Columbia Will Renovate City Hall Sculpture

Beginning October 13, 2026, Columbia will begin a maintenance project on the City Hall sculpture known as 'Keys to the City'. The project is funded by sources dedicated to public art maintenance.

Why it matters

The $113,011 restoration ensures the longevity of the public art piece. The city also plans to enhance the installation with a new lighting system in 2027.

The city has allocated $113,011 for the maintenance of the sculpture. This work is financed entirely through existing funds reserved specifically for the upkeep of public art.

The players

PCE Construction

This construction firm was contracted by the City of Columbia to manage the maintenance and restoration of the public sculpture.

Columbia

The city serves as the owner of the City Hall property and the 'Keys to the City' public art installation.

The details

Workers will remove glass panels from the 'Keys to the City' sculpture for off-site storage before performing rust removal and painting. Following the completion of this maintenance, the city will move forward with a separate plan to install a new lighting system in 2027.

Fencing will be placed around the sculpture on October 13, 2026.
Glass panels will be removed for off-site storage on October 14, 2026.
Rust removal and painting are scheduled to begin on October 15, 2026.
The project is expected to be finished by early November 2026.
A new lighting system will be installed in the sculpture in 2027.

Market Landscape

This project aligns with the Association of Public Art's conservation maintenance standards for municipal assets. It reflects a broader trend of cities prioritizing the restoration of existing public works over new commissions.

Residents visiting City Hall should expect fencing around the sculpture starting October 13, 2026. Access to the sculpture area will remain restricted until the project concludes in early November.

The takeaway

Regular maintenance of public sculptures ensures that community art remains accessible and in good condition for years to come. Local residents can anticipate the restoration process to wrap up before the winter months begin.