By Robert Haugh
A striking new presence has landed at Santa Clara City Hall.
The Santa Clara Cultural Commission proudly presents “Nebula Rider,” a temporary outdoor sculpture on display at City Hall Plaza through November 14, 2025.
Nebula Rider is a 2,500-pound Pegasus made of stainless steel and aluminum. It was crafted by renowned sculptor Adrian Landon.
Polished to a mirror shine, the mythical winged horse gleams under the California sun by day and comes alive in dazzling hues under color-changing lights each night.
This marks the first time Nebula Rider has been exhibited outside of the iconic Burning Man event.
It’s not Landon’s first visit to Santa Clara. In 2023, Landon’s “Mechanical Horse” was displayed in front of Santa Clara University’s Robotics Wing at the Sobrato Campus.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Adrian back,” said a Cultural Commission representative. “His work masterfully blends equine beauty with technical brilliance. His sculptures are more than art—they’re expressions of motion, energy, and imagination.”
Santa Clara’s connection to horses runs deep. The Bronco is the proud mascot of Santa Clara University, while the Morgan Horse sculpture has long stood outside the Triton Museum of Art.
Nebula Rider continues that legacy, bridging past and future, tradition and innovation.
The sculpture is part of the Cultural Commission’s ongoing commitment to bringing public art to Santa Clara. This year’s theme—“Catalyst: A New Possibility”—called on artists to explore transformation and the spark of change.
Visitors may see the statue at City Hall Plaza (1500 Warburton Avenue) to experience the sculpture up close.
Follow the Cultural Commission for updates and upcoming public art initiatives:
- Facebook: Santa Clara Cultural Commission
- City Website: santaclaraca.gov – Cultural Commission
For more information about the artist, visit https://adrianlandon.com/