Mystery behind El Paso's 'Bienvenido' door in Downtown gains online attention
"Bienvenido," the big yellow door installed in 2021 in the middle of Downtown El Paso, is sparking interest on social media.
A follower of Roadside America — Offbeat Quirky Tourist Attractions, a Facebook page devoted to unusual landmarks, posted a photo of her spouse standing by the door and soon it had more than 400 comments.
The main question was what is the meaning behind the door? Some, who were El Pasoans, admitted to not knowing about the art installation or where it is located.
It got many more comments than another El Paso icon shared on the page earlier this year, "La Casa de Azucar," or the House of Sugar, a Northeast home that has painstakingly been turned into a concrete palace by its owner.
Others took the opportunity to make fun of the art installation's possible meaning — as a portal to low wages, immigrants Downtown or exits out of the city.
Here is what to know about the Bienvenido art installation if you haven't seen it.
Where is Bienvenido yellow door in El Paso?
The piece is in the roundabout between the Paso del Norte Hotel, 10 Henry Trost Court, and a parking garage.
Who designed the yellow door installation?
The solid steel piece was created by artist Christopher Weed, who is based in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was selected by an artist selection panel based on his design. The door and frame weigh 14,000 pounds and cost $250,000, including installation and lighting.
What is the meaning of the giant yellow door?
The piece is titled "Bienvenido." It's a piece of an art installation meant to greet all visitors to the El Paso area, according to the city's public art program.
More: 'Bienvenido': New yellow door public artwork welcomes visitors in Downtown El Paso
María Cortés González may be reached at 915-546-6150; [email protected], @EPTMaria on Twitter; eptmariacg on TikTok.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Curious about the 'Bienvenido' art installation in Downtown?
