El Paso, Texas just leveled up its downtown vibes with a mesmerizing new art installation—and it’s got everyone buzzing. 

The El Paso Museum of Art Foundation (EPMAF) teamed up with the Paso del Norte Community Foundation (PdNCF) to gift the city an absolute stellar gift: Star Ceiling (El Paso) by world-renowned artist (and El Paso native!) Leo Villareal.

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On January 16, 2025, Leo Villareal flipped the switch on his mesmerizing masterpiece in a private lighting ceremony at Arts Festival Plaza.

The beautiful masterpiece is a 120-foot canopy of 14,590 LED lights sparkling in non-repeating patterns above zero-gravity benches and desert-inspired planters. It’s a whole vibe, and something you must experience in person!

COURTESY: El Paso Museum of Art Foundation
COURTESY: El Paso Museum of Art Foundation
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“This piece is about connection and community,” said Villareal, who’s been on the ground in El Paso fine-tuning the display. “It’s been incredible to see it come to life and share this moment with family, friends, and the vibrant people of El Paso.”

The best part? This $5.9 million gem didn’t cost taxpayers a dime. 

“Thanks to the generosity of our donors, this free, accessible space is our gift to El Paso,” said Judy Robison, EPMAF’s Development Chair.

Want to see it for yourself? Head downtown tomorrow, January 17, for the public unveiling at 5 PM. Expect music, pan dulce, hot chocolate, and a countdown with Leo Villareal himself. Bonus: the event will be live-streamed for the world to see.

TAKE A LOOK AT A LIVE VIDEO TAKEN BY LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER, JORGE SALGADO:

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