A distinctive levitating sculpture celebrates the partnership between Florida State University and the City of Tallahassee and the city’s standing as a hub for high magnetic field research and technology.
The art piece, affectionately nicknamed “Maggie,” will further establish Tallahassee as the Magnetic Capital of the World, showcasing the leadership, innovation and economic impact of the FSU-headquartered National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (MagLab).
FSU, MagLab and city officials unveiled the sculpture Wednesday, Feb. 19 at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center Expo Hall during the 2025 Motor, Drive Systems and Magnetics Conference.
“Today we celebrate the unveiling of an artistic and scientific piece that speaks to the spirit of discovery that defines our community,” said Kyle Clark, FSU senior vice president for finance and administration. “This piece symbolizes the groundbreaking work happening right here in Tallahassee and helps to solidify our standing as the Magnetic Capital of the World.”
The innovative piece of public art was built by artists from FSU’s Master Craftsman Studio with guidance from the MagLab. Phil Gleason, production manager at the Master Craftsman Studio, served as the project lead. The sculpture will become a traveling art exhibit, appearing in various prominent locations throughout the city.
FSU alumnus and Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey addressed the audience at the unveiling, saying “The City of Tallahassee prides itself on being a creative and innovative community where art and science do in fact connect — which is why this project and our continuing partnership with Florida State University in the MagLab is so exciting.”
“Maggie” represents the partnership among FSU, the MagLab and the City of Tallahassee. The MagLab and FSU are key economic centers for the region, and the unveiling celebrated their significant contributions.
“This scientific art piece celebrates the city’s standing as a hub for magnetic field research and technology,” Dailey said.
Kathleen Amm, director of the MagLab, underscored the importance of the laboratory as a leading research institution.
“At the MagLab, we lead the world in high magnetic field research,” she said. “We have the strongest magnets, the best instrumentation and expert staff, but it wouldn’t be that way without incredible support from the city and the university, going back more than 30 years.”
“That partnership is represented in the levitating part of the sculpture — with interlocking letters for “FSU” and “TLH” — an homage to the innovative and collaborative spirit of Tallahassee,” she said. “It’s the same way the MagLab is aloft because of the university, the city and the community. Our partnership ties all of us together, pushes us all to greater heights, and demonstrates beyond a doubt that Tallahassee is the Magnetic Capital of the World.”
The project was initiated by FSU alumni Bob and Gail Knight alongside Dailey as part of the city’s bicentennial celebration. It is sponsored by Friends of the First Florida Capitol on behalf of Mayor Dailey’s office and the FSU Research Foundation.
