United States
project
Samuels 1001 Double Heart Sculpture
A striking new landmark has a place in Boston’s Back Bay. Our team was proud to install Double Heart, the final public artwork conceived by Italian artist Gaetano Pesce and his only permanent installation in the U.S. Rising above the Mass Pike in the Lyrik plaza, the bold, vibrant sculpture embodies Pesce’s belief in optimism, connection, and the beauty of human diversity.
Samuels & Associates engaged our team to place the 4,800‑pound sculpture at a precise 53° angle in one of the busiest urban environments in Boston. The project required:
- Six months of planning for a six‑week field execution
- Complex permitting, traffic coordination, and site protection
- Multiple logistical studies to identify the safest pick location
- One major crane lift using a 300‑ton crane and specialized rigging team
The installation site was surrounded by active shops, restaurants, transit stations, and roadways, with the highway passing directly below—making meticulous planning essential.
Safety-First Leadership
Safety guided every aspect of this project. In the days leading to the crane pick, continuous rainfall prompted a full re-evaluation of the lift plan. The team reviewed the details with the client and rigging companies and created a revised approach that upheld the highest safety standards. This commitment to speaking up and adjusting course exemplifies the culture of safety the team brings to every project.
A New Symbol for Boston
Pesce’s Double Heart stands as a powerful reminder of shared hope and the profound mutuality of love. With its elevated position overlooking the city, the sculpture brings color, joy, and meaning to the heart of Back Bay—an enduring tribute to Pesce’s artistic legacy.
Photos: Courtesy of Samuels
Architect
Elkus Manfredi
Client
Samuels & Associates
Location
1001 Boylston Street Boston, MA
SF
1,000
Contract
CM
Architect
Elkus Manfredi Architects
Project Engineer
McNamara/Salvia, Inc.
