Source : Perth Now news
The 7m-tall Boonji Spaceman sculpture will touch down permanently at Elizabeth Quay when the City of Perth takes ownership of the precinct from DevelopmentWA.
According to the city, the move, expected to be in 2027, will place the artwork in a prominent waterfront setting, giving residents and visitors new opportunities to experience the sculpture in one of Perth’s most prominent locations.
Its temporary home, located at Stirling Gardens, and was chosen because of its proximity to Council House and its connection to Perth’s history as the City of Light.
The site commemorates the 1962 orbital flight of American astronaut John Glenn when Perth residents famously switched on lights in their homes and businesses as he passed overhead. The moment marked the origin of the City of Light story.
The city says Elizabeth Quay was chosen for its riverside position, strong connection to the CBD and existing collection of public artworks.
The council accepted the sculpture, titled Lightning, as a gift from US artist Brendan Murphy, courtesy of Gullotti Galleries.
The artist has donated the statue to the city, but the city was responsible for the budgeted $250,000 for its transportation and installation.
The transportation process of the 1365kg carbon fibre and steel giant took 12 months and involved engineers to ensure a safe trip from Miami.
The location has raised significant backlash from some residents, with a ‘savethekebab’ social media page, which has attracted over 870 followers, protesting the removal of the Ore Obelisk which used to be in the same spot.
At the city’s May 26 meeting, the council voted to retain the 50-year-old Ore Obelisk within the city’s cultural collections and to create a physical commemorative display in the Council House foyer — an idea put forward by Cr Chris Patton.
Until the move, the sculpture will remain at Stirling Gardens, where the city says it has attracted thousands of visitors since being unveiled in May 2025.
The Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage and the Heritage Council of WA have approved the extension of the artwork remaining at the Stirling Gardens until it is relocated.
