Great art can be found almost anywhere in Kelowna. And that's not just being poetic! Whether you're cruising the downtown Cultural District and waterfront, hiking or biking along the region's many amazing trails, or exploring the vibrant communities of Rutland and West Kelowna, there are fantastic art pieces to be found just about everywhere in the Central Okanagan—woven into parks, pathways, and the land itself.

Read on, and together let's discover some of the standout spots in Kelowna's public arts scene!

Public Art in Kelowna and the Okanagan: An Open Air Gallery

^{Uptown Rutland Murals - Ogopogo & Friends by Mono Sourcil. Photo: Nathaniel Atakora Martin (@nathanielatakora)}

Public art has been a core part of Kelowna's cultural scene for decades. Since 1997, the City of Kelowna has hosted a Public Art Program that commissions and sponsors public art projects throughout the region that are inspired by Kelowna's land, history, and community identity. Some of Kelowna's most iconic landmarks exist as part of this program, examples of which can be found all around the city. Other local art programs include the Rutland Mural Project, which has brought delightful splashes of colour to an urban environment, and the UBC Okanagan Public Art Collection, which features works both on campus and beyond!

Downtown Kelowna & the Cultural District

One of the best places to find public art displays in Kelowna is right downtown. The Cultural District Walking Tour leads you on a tour of Kelowna's most famous examples of public art, as well as a few of the city's most impressive galleries and museums. There are historic buildings, towering sculptures, and so much to see just walking the streets and waterfront, no matter the weather.

Spirit of the Sail

The Spirit of Sail, known locally as The Sails, is a fibreglass sculpture created by local Okanagan artist Robert Dow Reid. Located at the end of bustling Bernard Avenue, The Spirit of Sail has become an icon for the city of Kelowna, with the design featured on paintings, postcards, and graphic designs everywhere you look. Inspired by the shape of a sailboat, The Spirit of Sail represents adventure, curiosity, and the desire to explore that exists in each of us.

Rhapsody (The Dolphins)

Another piece by Robert Dow Reid, located near the downtown core, Rhapsody is a fibreglass wonder. Commonly known around town as The Dolphins, the piece is a landmark visible from Waterfront Park and Prospera Place. Rhapsody carries the same nautical inspiration as the Spirit of Sail, bringing the seaside to the lakeshore and creating a charming and memorable icon for the Cultural District's north end.
 

Ogopogo Statue

One of the oldest pieces that can be found in Kelowna, the Ogopogo statue has existed in some form since 1960, when it was created by local artist Peter Soelin. It has gone through a few different refreshes and relocations along the waterfront, but currently sits on the boardwalk between the Spirit of Sail and the Kelowna Visitor Centre as a photo spot for curious visitors and explorers looking to learn more about the enigmatic.

What many visitors may not realize is that “Ogopogo” is a misinterpretation rooted in early settler storytelling. In syilx Okanagan culture, the spirit of the lake is understood as water itself, while nx̌aʔx̌ʔitkʷ represents its tangible form, a story shared through captikʷł, or traditional teachings. To gain a deeper and more accurate understanding of this living history and its cultural significance, visitors are encouraged to explore the Sncewips Heritage Museum, where these learnings and teachings are shared.

Bear

Bear, more commonly referred to as the Bear by locals, is one of Kelowna's most iconic downtown landmarks. Commissioned for the city's 100th anniversary of incorporation as a municipality, Bear was designed by artist Brower Hatcher to embody the interconnectedness of the people of Kelowna and serve as a gateway to the downtown area. The city of Kelowna's name draws meaning from the nsyilxcən word for grizzly bear, which connects Bear to the people of this valley and to the tm̓xʷúlaʔxʷ (land) itself. To learn more about Kelowna's Indigenous heritage, and the role that public art projects have in rememberance, check out our page on Indigenous Heritage in Kelowna.

Chief Sw'kn'cut

Another important piece of public memory, this statue of Chief swkn̓cut was commissioned by Westbank First Nation and unveiled in 2019. Created by artist Crystal Przybille, the statue depicts the Village Chief of what is now known as the Mission during the arrival of the first European settlers in the Okanagan. The statue was designed as a symbol of syilx resilience, connection, and history. Chief swkn̓cut can be found just outside the Kelowna Visitor Centre, as well as plaques that detail the history of the statue and the Chief himself.

Murals Across Kelowna & the Okanagan

Beyond the aforementioned Rutland Mural Project, which has created a beautiful tapestry of street art across the Rutland area, Kelowna is dotted with a wide variety of beautiful murals and art displays. From expansive pieces contributed by students and staff from the University of British Columbia Okanagan, to colourful displays featuring everything from pop culture to Indigenous storytelling, all around town. There's plenty to discover for yourself, but if you're interested in seeing some of the highlights, you can check out Kelowna's Mural Map for a detailed guide on where to find these unique public art pieces.

Public Art in Lake Country

Just north of Kelowna, Lake Country features a notable selection of public art pieces as well. Most recognizable among these are the sculptures installed along the Pelmewash Parkway, which connects to the Okanagan Rail Trail. In 2020, Indigenous artists Clint George and Les Louis created these pieces. Known as the Canoe, the Four Food Chiefs, and the Feather (shown above), these sculptures showcase important syilx concepts and stories through impressive installations made from wood and metal art.

Public Art in Westbank First Nation

For more Indigenous art pieces, Westbank First Nation has a truly impressive collection of sculptures, exhibits, and displays around West Kelowna and stretching out into the surrounding area. Highlights include the Veterans Monument by Smoker Marchand that honours the approximately 7,000 Indigenous warriors who served in the First and Second World Wars, the 3-D WFN Logo Monument by Clint George featuring important symbols of the Westbank First Nation like the nx̌aʔx̌ʔitkʷ, and the Medicine Bear also by Smoker Marchand, which commemorates the strong medicine of the bear. For more information and to explore the Westbank First Nation public art guide, check out their page on Public Art.

Plan Your Art Walk

As you can see, Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley are absolutely full of fantastic displays of creativity and public art. No matter where you go, you're likely to find something interesting to see and appreciate. Take a walk through the Cultural District, explore some of the outlying neighbourhoods, or take in the beauty of local culture in Rutland or Westbank, the valley is yours to explore.

Wherever your adventure takes you, be sure to share your discoveries on social media using #exploreKelowna, and check out our website at tourismkelowna.com for more inspiration on arts and culture across the Okanagan Valley.