Phil Price’s sculpture was unveiled to the public on 29 September 2006 and gifted formally to the city at the duration of SCAPE’s 2006 season. At nine metres high, Nucleus has an impressive presence on the corner of High, Manchester and Lichfield streets, and is visually prominent whether you’re walking or driving past this stunning kinetic piece of art.

IMAGE: Phil Price, Nucleus, 2006. Image courtesy of SCAPE Public Art and Phil Price.

About the artwork

“Nucleus: the positively charged centre of an atom. Christchurch was my place of study and remains the centre of my practice, so this title and the sculpture have a special significance for me. The artwork is a celebration of place. The simple singular form made of four equal parts is a reflection of Christchurch, with its well-planned and laid-out built environment. All the parts are connected and necessary for the whole to function. The plinth, with its exposed structure and beauty through function, is a celebration of Christchurch’s engineering and industrial base.”

— Phil Price

Generously supported by Sir Robertson & Dame Adrienne Stewart, Errol & Jennifer Clark, and the Christchurch City Council.

With special thanks to: Fletcher Construction, Firth, Boffa Miskell, City Care, Anderson Lloyd Lawyers, John Jones Steel, and Heritage Management Services.