Magnetically Levitating Sculpture on Display at City Hall

February 26, 2025

Connect with a one-of-a-kind work of art and our community's magnetic industry through a visit to the City Hall Art Gallery to view "Maggie," a levitating sculpture. Its combination of art and science further establishes Tallahassee as the Magnetic Capital of the World and center for transformative research in quantum materials, fusion energy, rare earth minerals and medical imaging technology.

This unique exhibit was a joint effort by the City of Tallahassee, Florida State University (FSU) and National High Magnetic Laboratory (MagLab). Designed and built by FSU's Master Craftsman Studio artists with Phil Gleason as the project lead and with guidance from the MagLab, the sculpture is sponsored by the Friends of the First Florida Capitol and the FSU Research Foundation.

"The City has been an active MagLab partner since its inception – literally powering the magnets behind cutting-edge research through our Electric Utility – and we're proud to continue a longstanding partnership with FSU as we grow Tallahassee's standing as a hub for scientific advancement and economic development. We're thrilled to host the largest magnetic levitating sculpture in the world in City Hall and invite our community to come see it," said FSU alumnus and Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey, who initiated the project as part of the City's bicentennial celebration.

The City Hall Art Gallery, located inside City Hall at 300 South Adams Street, hosts rotating exhibits throughout the year featuring a variety of artists and mediums. It is free to the public and open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Also on display in the gallery currently is "Ascension & Regression," curated by the Goodwood Museum, which includes prints of photographs from the Meek-Eaton Black Archives.

"The City of Tallahassee prides itself on being a creative, innovative community where art and science connect, which is why this project and our continuing partnership with FSU are exciting," Mayor Dailey said. "The MagLab welcomes scientists, researchers and others from around the world to conduct pioneering research and development, and we want them to feel an attachment to our many cultural offerings, too."

To learn more about the MagLab, visit NationalMagLab.org. Stay connected with the latest City of Tallahassee news at Talgov.com and read more about Maggie at Talgov.com/MaggieTLH.