City of Phoenix

The Pueblo Grande Museum in Phoenix.

(Photo courtesy City of Phoenix)

An artist's rendering of the entry and walkway at the Pueblo Grande Museum.

(Photo courtesy Matthew Hamada)

City officials cut the ribbon during the dedication of the public art project at the Pueblo Grande Museum.

A new entry and walkway has been designed for Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park.

The project, titled "Passage", was designed by Dallas artist Brad Goldberg with the help from Arizona landscape architects SmithGroupJJR and Floor Associates. It was built by Brycon Construction and Valley Rain.

According to Public Information Officer Matthew Hamada, the project cost $360,000 to design and $1.6 million to build. It was commissioned by the Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture Public Art Program with percent-for-art funds from the Parks and Water capital improvement programs.

To minimize the potential for archaeological disturbance, crews added three feet of dirt to the site on the southeast corner of Washington and 44th streets. The sculptural portal, which stretches 30 feet high, features grey and red granite banding inspired by patterns found on Hohokam pottery. Beyond the portal is a circular gathering place surrounded by saguaros, trees and large boulders.