Living metal palm trees rise into San Diego sky.

Seven curving metal palm trees rise into the beautiful San Diego sky in Bayfront Plaza.
Seven curving metal palm trees rise into the beautiful San Diego sky at Bayfront Plaza.

These are photographs of “living metal” under changing skies. Since 2008, seven stainless steel abstract palm trees have stood in front of San Diego’s Bayfront Hilton, moving gently on windy days. I’ve taken many photos of these unique sculptures over the years. They were created by artist Ned Kahn.

Wind Palms, Ned Kahn, 2008. Stainless steel kinetic sculptures in front of Hilton San Diego Bayfront.
Wind Palms, Ned Kahn, 2008. Stainless steel kinetic sculptures in front of Hilton San Diego Bayfront.
People walk beneath unique tree-like art between the San Diego Convention Center and the Hilton hotel.
People walk beneath unique tree-like art between the San Diego Convention Center and the Hilton hotel.
Silvery, sun-reflecting stainless steel ribbon leaves of the Wind Palms move very slightly in the sea breeze.
The silvery, sun-reflecting stainless steel ribbon “leaves” of the Wind Palms move very slightly in the sea breeze.
Looking upward at different geometric patterns. The trees are supposed to rotate in the wind, but I've never seen it.
Looking upward at different geometric patterns. The curving fronds rotate when the wind’s direction changes.
Seagulls circle high above the palm-like kinetic sculptures on a gray, cloudy day.
Seagulls circle high above the palm-like kinetic sculptures on a gray, cloudy day.
Walking along near the Hilton, heading toward the edge of San Diego Bay.
Walking along near the Hilton, heading toward the edge of San Diego Bay.
Shining trees in a cloudless blue sky.
Shining trees in a cloudless blue sky.

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can enjoy more Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Do you like to read short pieces of thought-provoking fiction? Please visit Short Stories by Richard.

Published by

Richard Schulte

Downtown San Diego has been my home for many years. My online activities reflect my love for writing, blogging, walking and photography.

9 thoughts on “Living metal palm trees rise into San Diego sky.”

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.