Downtown Loveland Introduces a Love Lock Statue and a Branch for the Visitors Center
## Loveland Unveils New Public Art Installation and Visitors Center Branch
The city of Loveland, Colorado, is set to unveil a new public art installation and a downtown Visitors Center branch on July 18, 2025. The sculpture, located on the southwest side of the Loveland Museum at 503 N. Lincoln Ave., will be a significant addition to the city's vibrant public art program [2].
The sculpture, designed by artist and engineer Doug Rutledge, features 40 red steel hearts of various sizes, arranged in the shape of a larger heart [6]. This iconic piece will join two existing love lock sculptures crafted by Rutledge in strengthening Loveland's identity as a regional arts destination [4].
The new Visitors Center branch, opening the day after the sculpture unveiling, will be easily accessible to both residents and visitors, situating the new art and visitor services in the heart of Loveland’s cultural district [1]. The branch will sell local artisan gifts, exclusive downtown merchandise, and items inspired by Loveland's art scene, providing an opportunity for locals and guests to celebrate the city's identity through public art, local culture, and lasting experiences [3].
The funding for the new Visitors Center branch comes from lodging tax revenues that reached $1.4 million in 2024 [5]. Over $12.5 million has been invested in public art in Loveland [1], a testament to the city's commitment to promoting its arts scene and attracting cultural tourists.
The Visitors Center grand opening will offer refreshments, giveaways, and special engraved love locks to the first 10 groups to arrive [7]. Visitors can purchase locks on site or bring their own to add to the sculpture during the grand opening. A winning couple selected through Visit Loveland's social media contest will also put a specially engraved lock of their own during the ceremony [8].
The addition of this sculpture and the new Visitors Center branch will bring the total number of citywide love lock sculptures to five. Two more love lock sculptures will be added by the end of 2025, one near the East Visitors Center and another at Lake Loveland [9].
This project represents a strategic investment in Loveland's cultural infrastructure and tourism appeal, reinforcing its status as a leading arts community in Colorado [2][5]. The enhanced visitor experience, increased cultural tourism, and economic boost are expected to benefit local shops, restaurants, and galleries, while also promoting other attractions, events, and accommodations across the city.
- The new public art installation in Loveland, Colorado, on July 18, 2025, will be a red steel heart sculpture designed by Doug Rutledge, adding to the city's identity as a regional arts destination.
- The new Visitors Center branch in Loveland, opening after the sculpture unveiling, will be situated in the heart of Loveland’s cultural district and will sell local artisan gifts, merchandise, and items inspired by Loveland's art scene.
- The luxurious home-and-garden boutiques and fine dining restaurants in northern Colorado's Loveland are expected to thrive due to the expected boost in tourism from the new public art installations and Visitors Center branch.
