"Spoonbridge and Cherry" is a landmark sculpture in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, crafted by the renowned artist Claes Oldenburg and his collaborator Coosje van Bruggen. This whimsical piece, completed and installed in 1988, features a giant cherry balanced on a large spoon and has become an iconic symbol of Minneapolis.

The sculpture's initial concept was significantly different, envisioning a Viking ship with a dragon figurehead within a circular reflecting pool. This idea was quickly set aside in favor of the spoon and cherry design, which drew from Oldenburg's long-standing interest in spoon imagery and van Bruggen's inspiration from the formality of garden designs, notably the Palace of Versailles, and the dining etiquette of Louis XIV's court. The spoon metaphorically connects to various imagery, including the prow of a Viking ship and the act of ice skating, while the cherry adds a vibrant burst of color and playfulness to the piece​ (Wikipedia)​.

Fabricated in shipyards in Maine and Rhode Island and finished in Connecticut, "Spoonbridge and Cherry" underwent significant efforts for its creation, including painting and repainting to maintain its striking appearance. The sculpture measures 30 by 52 by 13 feet and dominates a pond shaped like a linden tree seed, chosen for its significance to the surrounding linden trees. The sculpture is made from stainless steel and aluminum, coated in polyurethane enamel, making it durable against the elements. Water jets from both the tip and the base of the cherry's stem, adding to its dynamic and engaging presence in the garden​ (Wikipedia)​.

"Spoonbridge and Cherry" has been well-received by the public and critics alike, praised for its accessibility and the joy it brings to a broad audience, including children. It's considered an unofficial symbol of Minneapolis, demonstrating Oldenburg and van Bruggen's ability to transform everyday items into monumental public art that invites viewers to engage with their environment in new and imaginative ways​ (Wikipedia)​​ (Walker Art)​​ (Encyclopedia Britannica)​.