June 11, 2014 · Exit133

Testing, Testing: Warhol "Flower for the Tacoma Dome" Test

As a preliminary step to lining up financing to put Andy Warhol's flower design on the Tacoma Dome, a test is being done. It's a test of the materials and technology that could essentially shrink wrap the Dome in the Warhol flower (or any other design for that matter).

King5 reports that workers applied a patch of different colors to the roof this week, where it will be left, exposed to the elements, to see how it holds up over time. If the test is successful, Warhol flower supporters can begin looking in earnest for the $2 million in funding it's estimated the project would cost.

You won't be able to see the test patch from the ground - it's way, way up on top of the Dome - but should you find yourself in a low-flying aircraft, you might catch a glimpse of the test.

Learn more, and see what the test patch looks like from King5.

Filed under: Arts, Tacoma Landmarks, Tacoma Dome

7 comments

johanna June 11, 2014

This is the worst idea! What a waste of two million dollars. And it's ugly.
oh jeez! June 11, 2014

I really hope this idea dies. To change what is now iconic design to a garishly designed 30 years old proposal is just silly. Andy Warhol's art can now be found on socks, lunchboxes, stickers...this is just embarrassing.
Name Janey June 11, 2014

Love the idea and what a wonderful way to greet the I-5 commuters to our city. Very positive and upbeat! Way to go Tacoma! This is long overdue ...to have such an iconic artist's work be so prominently displayed will help to show people that Tacoma is a city with artistic vision.
Gerry June 11, 2014

Actually, there's a much better idea: The image of the earth. And you don't need a low-flying aircraft to see it. Geez, get over Warhol. Support and promote local artists and values. Amy McBride, please stop using the Tacoma Arts Administration and it's resourses to promote your personal Warhol agenda.
Xeno June 12, 2014

Great idea to get people to notice Tacoma. The current design is as retro as our potholes.
JDHasty June 12, 2014

The elected officials should be concentrating exclusively on what residents have REPEATEDLY identified as their number one concern. Our failing infrastructure and particularly our pavement.
nwcolorist June 12, 2014

Tacoma is sailboats on Commencement Bay, sparkling on a summer's day, tall Douglas firs, the sound of seagulls on Ruston Way. To me Tacoma is the energy of ships being unloaded at the Port, and hearing the rain on the roof as I drift off to sleep. With all respect to Andy Warhol, he is not Tacoma.