"Public art is one of the most important elements that define a city. Public installations echo the character and spirit of a time and place, and remind us all of the imperative need for creativity and imagination in our daily lives."" (Carole Feuerman) Art has always made a substantial contribution to cultural identity. This impact is considerably enhanced when a work of art is created for a public place and takes on a space-defining function. Whatever the shape, size or medium, art in public, accessible to all, attracts attention. Its presence provokes thought, questions assumptions, expresses values, and adds new qualities to communities and cities. In this volume, selected works introduce the history of public art over 4,500 years of historical eras and styles, including world-famous landmarks such as the Great Sphinx of Giza, the Trevi Fountain or the Statue of Liberty. The majority of art works presented here are from modern times, allowing an in-depth look at contemporary works by important artists like Alexander Calder, Nam June Paik, Jeff Koons, Eduardo Chillida or Ai Weiwei.

城市艺术是对于一个城市精准定位的重要元素。公共设施具有特定的时代性地域性，并且敦促我们在日常生活中有必要保持创造力和想像力。 艺术为文化作贡献，当一件艺术作品为一个公共场所所创造并担当地标功能时这个作用将被无限加强。不论什么外型，形状或使用什么媒介，公共艺术，感染一切并吸引注意力。他们引起思考，令人遐想，展现价值，并且增加一个社区和城市的品位。 在本书中精选的作品跨越了4500年的历史时期，包括世界著名界标诸如埃及的狮身人面像，罗马的许愿池和美国的自由女神。大多数艺术作品还是当代的，借此作品集可对当代著名艺术家进行更深入的了解。 "