Il Grande Disco, Charlotte

The Big Disk (Il Grande Disco), a prominent circular monument located in Charlotte, is a symbol of public art that captivates the imagination and admiration of both locals and visitors. Positioned behind the Railroad Worker’s Sculpture at Independence Square, this artistic masterpiece showcases the creative talent of Italian sculptor Arnaldo Pomodoro. Erected in 1974, the monument adds to the urban scenery of Uptown Charlotte, particularly renowned for its reflection in the glass walls of the contemporary Omni Hotel.

Fashioned from bronze, the Big Disk is a coin-shaped sculpture adorning the Bank of America Plaza on Tryon Street. Its distinguishing features include a large bronze wheel with dark borders, adorned with intricate etched designs on both sides. Its appearance suggests a futuristic and foreign essence, seemingly in motion with dynamic qualities, attracting attention and curiosity due to its detailed craftsmanship.

The significance of the Big Disk is amplified by its global presence. It is part of a series of five similar sculptures named "Il Grande Disco" situated around the world. These sister sculptures can be found at various locations including the University of Chicago campus, Piazza Filippo Meda and Theatro Strehler in Milan, Italy, Donald Kendall Sculpture Gardens at PepsiCo Headquarters in Purchase, N.Y., and the monument for Georg Büchner in Darmstadt, Germany. Installed around the same period, these sculptures collectively highlight Pomodoro's vision and artistic impact on an international scale.

Originally, the Charlotte Big Disk featured a kinetic component, allowing it to rotate slowly on its axis, offering passersby the opportunity to interact with it by pushing it to rotate. This interactive feature added another dimension to the sculpture, fostering a physical connection between the artwork and its audience. However, in recent years, the sculpture has been anchored in place, eliminating its movable aspect while still retaining its significance as a significant piece of art and a landmark in Charlotte’s cultural scene.