Inscribed bronze-anodised aluminium posts.
Tucked within the bustling heart of Barangaroo South at Exchange Place, Beacon is a striking and meaningful public art installation that blends form, function, and storytelling. Commissioned by Lendlease and designed by acclaimed Australian architectural firm CHROFI, Beacon was conceived as a subtle but powerful way to honour the cultural and historical layers of the Barangaroo site.
At first glance, Beacon may appear purely architectural, but its 64 tall, bronze-anodised aluminium posts serve a dual purpose. Designed to discreetly conceal essential infrastructure vents, the posts also invite visitors to pause and reflect. Each post is inscribed with words that together tell a rich and layered story of Barangaroo — one that acknowledges its Indigenous heritage, colonial past, and vibrant future.
The text woven through the installation is adapted from an essay by respected historian Grace Karskens, whose work explores the deep cultural history of Sydney and its landscapes. Interwoven into this narrative is Aboriginal language drawn from Jakelin Troy’s The Sydney Language, reflecting the enduring connection of First Nations people to the land and waters of Barangaroo.
Beacon stands as a sculptural reminder that beneath the modern urban setting lies an ancient and ongoing story. It transforms an everyday space into a site of memory, language, and presence — encouraging visitors to look closer and engage more deeply with the place they’re in.
Whether you’re passing by or intentionally exploring, take a moment to walk among the posts and experience the story they quietly share.