El Segundo officials Friday were celebrating the success of the city’s augmented reality public art program after it surpassed 3 million views while announcing plans to expand the initiative with new interactive installations.
The program, launched in 2023 through a partnership among the city of El Segundo, the El Segundo Art Walk Foundation, Reality Experience Design and Snap Inc., enables residents and visitors to experience public art through an interactive “AR map” on Snapchat featuring augmented reality murals and installations throughout the city.
According to the city, the “AR map” now includes nine augmented reality-enhanced murals and installations that have generated more than 3.15 million views, 3.1 million plays and more than 7,000 shares.
“El Segundo has always been a place where creativity and innovation intersect, and our AR Public Art Initiative is a perfect example of that spirit in action,” Mayor Chris Pimentel said in a statement. “By blending technology with the incredible talent of our local artists, we’re making public art more accessible, more interactive, and more inspiring for everyone who lives, works, or visits here. This project doesn’t just showcase art — it showcases who we are as a community: imaginative, collaborative, and always looking toward the future.”
John McCullough, director of the El Segundo Art Walk Foundation, said the initiative makes it easier for residents to discover public artwork throughout the city.
“The City of El Segundo has a wide range of public art to share with its residents. This initiative shines light on each of these pieces to be discovered and experienced all in one place,” McCullough said. “The AR murals breathe new life into artwork our community knows and loves. This technology is truly incredible.”
The installations include “Butterfly Lands,” “The Fox,” “Portals to Memory,” the “Fresh Wave” series, the El Segundo entry sign and other public artworks.
A new augmented reality experience for “Flying or Falling II” is scheduled to debut during the 2026 El Segundo Art Walk on Aug. 22.
Christian Enriquez, founder of Reality Experience Design, which developed the augmented reality experiences, said the technology allows artists to extend their work beyond traditional public art.
“We live in a wonderful age where art, technology, and the physical world can merge together,” Enriquez said. “With AR, if you can imagine it, you can create it.”
City officials said future plans include integrating the “AR map” into official city websites, increasing volunteer engagement, improving data collection and continuing partnerships with local artists, schools and businesses.