Minneapolis bridge becomes a dazzling homage to African art and legacy
The Olson Bridge in Minneapolis now stands as a vibrant tribute to African countries' art and community history. Covered in bold enameled steel panels, the structure features intricate designs inspired by African mud cloth, including Adinkra spirals, sun rays, and protective shields. The artwork is the result of a decade-long effort to honour the legacy of artist John Biggers and his impact on Black creativity.
The story began in 1996 when John Biggers painted the Celebration of Life mural on a sound wall along Olson Memorial Highway. The piece served as a landmark for North Minneapolis until its demolition in 2000, when the city replaced it with Heritage Park, an affordable housing development.
In 2010, the John Biggers Seed Project launched to revive his vision. Spearheaded by Biggers himself alongside collaborators at Texas Southern University, the initiative aimed to train artists and preserve his artistic influence. Local creators, including Ta-coumba Aiken, took on the challenge, learning to craft large-scale enameled steel panels from scratch. The project faced setbacks, first from the I-35W bridge collapse in 2007, then from the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite delays, volunteers built a new kiln and produced six-foot panels bursting with colour—depicting turtles gliding through blue rivers, dancing green stars, and traditional African motifs. The final panel was installed in late September 2023, completing the transformation of the Olson Memorial Highway bridge. Beyond aesthetics, the project sought to educate the public about African countries' art while strengthening community ties. Organisers hoped the bridge would empower local artists and reinforce cultural pride in North Minneapolis.
The Olson Bridge now displays over 200 enameled panels, each a testament to collaboration and resilience. The artwork honours John Biggers’ dedication to nurturing young Black artists while offering a lasting public space for reflection. Residents and visitors can experience the bridge as both a functional structure and a celebration of heritage.
