Redondo Beach Arch

The Redondo Arch: A Monument to Resilience on the Redondo Shore

At the edge of Redondo Beach in Des Moines, a towering rocky arch stands like a gateway to the ocean. Created in 1986 by renowned Seattle sculptor John T. Young, the Redondo Arch was constructed by blasting apart a massive block of granite and reassembling it with steel cables. Designed as a “destruction reintegration metaphor,” the arch represents both the damage humans inflict on the environment and the potential for renewal. The sculpture’s jagged form, reminiscent of the Pacific Northwest’s natural rock outcroppings, invites the viewer to contemplate resilience—both ecological and personal. In a dramatic twist, the arch itself faced near destruction when a violent storm in 1991 left it dangling precariously over the water. Rescued by a crane, it remains a lasting symbol of endurance and reinvention, standing prominently at the entrance of Redondo Beach’s scenic boardwalk.

About the Artist:
John T. Young is a highly regarded sculptor and professor emeritus at the University of Washington, where he taught sculpture and public art for more than 20 years. His large-scale outdoor works, which often utilize granite, stone, concrete, and steel, can be found in 25 cities across the United States. In addition, he specializes in International Public Art and the Public Art of China. He’s created several prominent works around the area, including The Fin Project at Warren G. Magnuson Park in Seattle.

Beyond the Arch: Explore Redondo Beach
Just beyond the arch, the Redondo Beach Boardwalk stretches along Puget Sound, offering breathtaking coastal scenery and easy access to local highlights. Explore interactive marine exhibits at the MaST Center, or take in the peaceful beauty of the water from the fishing pier. The area is a favorite for walkers, photographers, and nature lovers alike.