Love—a four letter word. For some, this means romance and affection, for others, it is the most intense feeling one can experience. This simple unit of language is universal—it is recognized in all places throughout the world and is a feeling expressed among all peoples.

The combination of these abstract four letters has made its way to a tangible constructed formation. The iconic “LOVE” sculpture (you know, the one with four red letter blocks, with the L and O stacked on top of the V and E and the O rotated at a 45 degree angle) has been featured among countless locations across the world. It was created by American artist Robert Indiana, who is associated with the pop art movement. Indiana’s LOVE artwork design originally served as the image for a Museum of Modern Art Christmas card in 1964. Later on, it was used for a popular postage stamp. It wasn’t until 1970 that the first original LOVE sculpture was made and put on display at the Indianapolis Museum of Art in Indiana. Many copies of the model can also be found in different locations across the globe, including, but not limited to: London, Tokyo, Bogota, and Shanghai. There are also over 20 versions in the U.S. at institutions such as University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Sixth Avenue in New York City, and at Brigham Young University Museum in Provo.

Needless to say, Southern Californians will no longer have to travel to see one of these sculptures close up for themselves. SoCal was recently treated to its own picturesque landmark. It is located in the city of Rosemead at the Panda Restaurant Group Support Center at 1683 Walnut Grove Ave, Rosemead. Funded and installed by Panda Restaurant group founders Andrew and Peggy Cherng, it was “donated to their restaurant and community as a gift,” as reported by Pasadena Star News. The donors hope that their visitors will see the sculpture as a symbol of kindness and love, as they reported, “The LOVE Sculpture reminds us to take a stand for ourselves, so that we can stand for others.” They hope to join the movement along with the other LOVE sculptures in underscoring the significance of love.

Those in the San Gabriel Valley now have this granted opportunity to visit the world-famous LOVE sculpture and experience this unifying bond of humanity. Although such a simple sculpture, its four letters reflect the empowering nature of love.