Los Trompos

Go ahead, give it a whirl

“Los Trompos” (“Spinning Tops” in Spanish) draws its inspiration from a toy that has been popular with children around the world since the dawn of time. This large-scale, interactive artistic installation engages visitors in a way that is both meaningful and playful.

Prompting visitors and members of the community alike to smile, and encouraging them to spin to their heart’s delight, Los Trompos features eight larger-than-life, three-dimensional spinning tops in a variety of colors and shapes. The colorful surfaces of each top are created in part by fabric woven in a traditional Mexican style. The fabric is stretched over the modules to seat up to 4 adults, or up to eight children.

Functioning as both artwork and rotating platform, each sculpture acts as a gathering place for relaxation, social interaction, and entertainment. Collaborating with friends and family, visitors can create momentum and spin the tops on their bases, giving new meaning to the art of play.

Take a spin on The Green through June 27.

• Production: Esrawe + Cadena
• Creation and execution: Héctor Esrawe and Ignacio Cadena
• Ownership: DTE Energy Beacon Park Foundation and The Downtown Detroit Partnership
• Tour producer: Creos