A Landmark Moment: Baytown’s New Waterfront Sculpture Celebrates the City’s Spirit

By Jason Calder, City of Baytown

Baytown’s newest landmark is impossible to miss and impossible not to photograph. The bold “BAYTOWN” sculpture, standing seven feet tall and overlooking the Fred Hartman Bridge and the bay, now welcomes visitors and locals alike to Bayland Island near the Hyatt Regency and Bayland Marina.

Designed by the City’s Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Department, the installation celebrates local creativity and a growing waterfront identity. It also serves as an open invitation for everyone to experience Baytown from a new perspective.

 “As a former professional photographer, it’s been exciting to help create a photo attraction that serves visitors and our own community,” said Amy Shipley, Tourism Superintendent.

“We designed the sculpture with the lighting and angles photographers look for. It serves not just as a tourism stop, but as a backdrop where residents can capture milestones, family moments, and Baytown pride.”

The sculpture’s concept was inspired by the late David Adickes, the celebrated Houston artist known for his large-scale works such as the We Love Houston sign and the towering statue of Sam Houston in Huntsville. Adickes, who passed away in July, left a legacy of public art that shaped the creative landscape of Southeast Texas.

“When we started scouting possible locations, we used the ‘We Love Houston’ sculpture as inspiration until we could see what Baytown’s version might become,” Amy said. “His influence helped shape how we envisioned a landmark that celebrates our city’s identity.”

Adickes’ artistic spirit is already part of Baytown. His 15-foot-tall statue of General Sam Houston greets travelers at the roundabout between San Jacinto Boulevard and Hunt Road, a reminder of his photogenic, larger-than-life style. The new installation builds on that creative connection by combining local art with a sense of place.

Amy said, “I hope it’s a reminder of how art connects people across generations. Keeping those creative roots alive and seeing that story continue in Baytown is something really special.”

The BAYTOWN sculpture is more than a sign. It is an invitation. Visitors are encouraged to stop, explore, and take photos, while locals can use it as a backdrop for senior portraits, engagement pictures, and holiday photos.

The sculpture will continue to evolve with the seasons through special lighting displays and themed decorations that highlight community events. The goal is to keep the site fresh and inviting year-round as a place that reflects Baytown’s creativity and pride in every season.

Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, the new BAYTOWN sculpture offers a picture-perfect way to say, “You are here.”