Giant peach sculpture, homage to Peach Bowl, rises near Georgia World Congress Center

Joining the world’s largest freestanding bird sculpture in downtown Atlanta, a new place-appropriate piece of art has risen near the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC), in a plaza across from Philips Arena.

The sculpture doesn’t honor a person or historic event, but rather Georgia’s signature fruit: the peach.

Technically, the newly installed “Modern Peach” celebrates the 50-year legacy of venerable college football matchup the Peach Bowl, which takes place annually on the GWCC campus.

Unveiled before last week’s inaugural Chick-fil-A Kickoff games in the nearby Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the five-ton, stainless-steel peach silhouette tops out at an imposing 28-feet. That’s taller than a two-story building.

The work of Cumming-based sculptor Gregory Johnson, the creation took more than 175 workers to create, build, and install.

Johnson’s goal in creating the work was to bring “joy and a smile to everyone who sees it,” per the GWCC.

With its prominent position on Andrew Young International Boulevard, and iconic Georgia connection, the sculpture is sure to be a favorite for fans hoping to snap a selfie.

Isn’t that just peachy?

• Peach Bowl Donates Peach of a Modern Art Installation to GWCCA Campus [GWCCA]