Mystical giants of Borrego Springs invade downtown: where to see them
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- Imagine walking along the Embarcadero and suddenly standing face-to-face with a 15-foot dragon or a towering T. rex. It's San Diego's newest pop-up public art experience and it's bringing the wild spirit of the Borrego Springs desert to the waterfront.
From Friday, Oct. 10 through Monday, Oct. 13, the lawn outside the San Diego County Administration Building will be transformed into a surreal sculpture garden, featuring massive metal creations by renowned artist Ricardo Breceda.
Known for turning raw steel into desert magic, Breceda's work has long been a defining feature of Borrego Springs—where over 130 of his "Sky Art" sculptures dot the vast landscape. Now, for one weekend only, San Diegans don't have to make the trek to see them.
On top of the dragon and dinosaurs, the pop-up installation also includes a pair of rams and a rattlesnake showing its fangs—each piece a tribute to California’s rugged landscapes and untold stories.
"We wanted to celebrate Borrego Springs and we wanted to bring awareness not only to Breceda but also the Borrego Springs community, which is often an overlooked part of San Diego," said Jennifer Sencion with Borrego Springs Builders, an initiative focused on sustainability, housing, and revitalization in the rural area.
Sencion went on to explain that the pop-up is meant tease two brand new sculptures that will be coming to the desert in November.
To encourage visitors to discover the full desert collection, the Borrego Springs Resort is giving away a two-night stay to someone who visits the public art installation in downtown San Diego over the weekend. Everyone who shares sculpture photos on social media with the hashtag #BorregoSculpted will have a chance to win.
In addition to the sculptures, the waterfront exhibit includes hands-on family art activities, educational displays about Borrego Springs and Breceda’s journey, a youth artist spotlight, as well as opportunities to meet the artist throughout the weekend.
Local officials and community leaders are also expected to join for special appearances and photo ops.
Whether you're an art lover, a weekend wanderer or just curious about the towering metal creatures turning heads downtown — this is your chance to experience the desert without leaving the city.
The San Diego County Administration Building is located at 1600 Pacific Hwy.
