The Art Castle sculpture garden in Salt Lake City features an immersive collection of art, including rescued works by the late Ralphael Plescia. The 18,917-square-foot garden wraps around the castle's east side and is free for the public to view.
The garden includes The Illuminator by Derek Dyer, a monumental disco ball measuring more than 23 feet in diameter with over a thousand mirrors. The site also features a crystal-and-heart sculpture that combines illuminated crystal with a fire-lit heart and bursts of flame overhead. Two of these sculptures were installed on November 8, 2026.
Additional works in the garden include a roaring lion, a dragon, and a raven on a pole, all created by Ralphael Plescia. These pieces were rescued by Utah Arts Alliance (UAA) volunteers following the demolition of the Christian School on State Street during May 2025.
A future installation titled Westside Whale Tail is planned for the garden, with a scheduled debut on October 9, 2027. Designed by Stephen Kesler, the 14-foot tall sculpture is intended to serve as a counterpart to the Out of the Blue humpback whale sculpture located at 900 South and 1100 East.
The Westside Whale Tail will feature a new mural every two to three years. A separately commissioned mural artist will paint the surface, allowing the landmark to maintain a fresh appearance for neighbors.
The Plescia sculptures were salvaged from the Christian School, a building where the artist spent 50 years creating art inspired by Revelation 12. UAA volunteers began moving works from the site in September 2024, including a 2,000-pound serpent and the Lady of Wisdom sculpture. While much of the art was part of the building's structure and could not be removed, the team used 3D scans and photographs to preserve the work before the building was demolished.
The Art Castle garden is designed as a community space featuring a playground, plaza, and a stage for outdoor shows.
