There’s beautiful, surprising works of public art dotted throughout downtown Jacksonville, many of which are hiding in plain sight, waiting to be discovered. We’ve rounded up five of our favorite hidden gems: some works are lighthearted and interactive, while other are reflective and solemn, but they’re all totally unique and part of what makes being a part of the Jacksonville community so special.

“Song of the Skinks” at Cuba Hunter Park

Added to Cuba Hunter Park in 2020, this playful bit of musical sculpture is an interactive treat, paying tribute to the blue-tailed skinks that dominate the landscape throughout Jacksonville. The sculptures double as plosive aerophones, which means they’re measured to specific lengths to produce different tones when struck with an open hand (or flip flop), generating a stunning 16 different notes across the structure. 3540 Bedford Rd., Jacksonville, FL

Mirrored River at Southbank Riverwalk

This stunning mirror mosaic designed by husband and wife team Roux Art has elevated the experience of strolling down the Southbank Riverwalk since it was unveiled in 2015. Inspired by the shape and motion of the St. Johns River as well as the architecture of downtown Jacksonville, this massive piece of public art blends organic and manmade forms to represent the interplay of nature and industry that is at the heart of every city. 1001 Museum Cir., Jacksonville, FL

Showing the Way: Tillie K. Fowler Memorial at Northbank Riverwalk

Crafted as a tribute to trailblazing Jacksonville politician Tillie K. Fowler, this towering treelike structure references her nickname, Steel Magnolia. Browner Hatcher designed this trio of nested orbs, each representing her dedication to a different element of her life (family, community, and country), sit atop a massive silver trunk, towering over the Northbank Riverwalk. 221 Riverside Ave., Jacksonville, FL 

Jaxoscope at Jesse B. Smith Memorial Plaza

Buffalo-based artist Shasti O’Leary Soudant’s vibrant Jaxoscope is covered in thousands of LED lights, illuminating a massive structure that allows viewers to observe the Florida Theatre’s neon marquee in a whole new way. Inspired by Jacksonville’s diverse community, described to Student by a resident as a “kaleidoscope of people,” this whimsical and fun sculpture is a perfect expression of what makes the entertainment district so special. 133 E Forsyth St, Jacksonville, FL

No Couch Potatoes Here at Ed Austin Regional Park

A trio of brightly colored, comically oversized chairs designed by Jacksonville artists Roxanne Horvath and Peter Rumpel sit in the middle of Ed Austin Regional Park near the Police Athletic League. Each chair’s backing has a different design, abstract shapes inspired by tennis, football, and basketball, all after-school sports offered as a part of PAL programming. 11751 McCormick Rd., Jacksonville, FL