Just south of Apple's massive new L.A. office campus, construction is underway for a large piece of public art at the intersection of National and Washington Boulevards in Culver City.

Installation began last month for "A Frame for a Tree," a new sculpture designed by artist Charles Gaines. The approximately 56-foot-by-98-foot rectangular metal structure which will frame the large ficus tree which abuts the E Line's Culver City Station, as well as the mixed-use Ivy Station complex. The metal framing is being designed to allow for the continued growth of the tree.

Construction of A Frame for a TreeUrbanize LA

"Creating A Frame for a Tree has been a profound experience, centered around a dialogue with this Ficus, the urban landscape, and the viewer," said Gaines in a 2025 city news release. "My work explores how meaning is created, often at the intersection of systematic logic and natural forms, and this project allows that conversation to unfold on a grand scale in a public space. By framing this tree within a precise structure, I hope the viewer will consider the context of this natural space and leave with new insight. I am honored to contribute this artwork to Culver City."

Completion of the installation is expected later this year.

Street-level view looking northCulver City

Gaines, who is based out of Los Angeles, has also created artwork displayed outside of Intuit Dome in Inglewood.

The new public art will serve as a complement to the space below the adjacent rail viaduct, which was recently transformed into seating area and open space in conjunction with a neighboring commercial development.

Follow us on social media: 

Twitter / Facebook / LinkedIn / Threads / Instagram / Bluesky