The Wall of Death

Take a picture next to this unique art piece.

The Wall of Death is a piece of public art built into the underside of the University Bridge. This Wall was made to represent the daredevil stunt featuring someone driving a motorcycle in circles around a spherical room, using momentum and friction to keep them going. The well of death, in particular, was the sideshow attraction they had in mind while building this “Wall of Death.” It features a ramp on the North end and the driving cylinder on the opposite side.

This piece was designed and created in 1993 by Mowry Baden and his son, Colin. The piece was criticized upon release. It was said to be in "just as bad a location as the Fremont troll." Unfortunately, due to the recklessness of skateboarders (who were the target audience of the piece), neighbors complained about noise, and on one occasion, a skateboarder collided with a cyclist. Shortly thereafter, rocks were put at the ends of the concrete ramps to discourage skateboarders, and in 2008 park stops were added, making skating impossible to do here.