Kosmo: Poplar Grove's Dinosaur
Standing proudly in the roundabout at 500 South and Redwood Road, Kosmo has quickly become one of Poplar Grove's most recognizable landmarks. More than just a piece of public art, the sculpture celebrates Utah's rich prehistoric history while reflecting the industrial character and community spirit that have shaped Salt Lake City's Westside.
Kosmo was installed on May 11, 2026
Kosmo was welcomed by members of the Poplar Grove Community Council on installation day
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About the SculptureCreated by artists Garth Franklin and Alec Gonos, Kosmo is a 20-foot-long steel sculpture inspired by Kosmoceratops, a horned dinosaur species discovered in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in southern Utah. Known for its elaborate horns and distinctive skull, Kosmoceratops is found nowhere else in the world, making it a uniquely Utah story.
Rather than recreating the dinosaur as a solid figure, the artists designed an open steel framework that blends scientific inspiration with artistic interpretation. The sculpture was developed with input from paleontologist Mark Loewen and research from the Natural History Museum of Utah. Adding another layer of local history, much of the steel used to build Kosmo came from salvaged industrial materials from Salt Lake City's Granary District. Those reclaimed materials connect the artwork not only to Utah's ancient past but also to the hardworking industrial heritage that helped shape the Westside. Originally created in 2024, Kosmo was generously donated to Salt Lake City by the artists. Its installation in Poplar Grove was made possible through the Salt Lake City Arts Council Public Art Program in partnership with the Salt Lake Art Design Board, Salt Lake City Engineering and Transportation, and members of the Poplar Grove community. |
A New Westside Landmark
Since its installation, Kosmo has become a neighborhood gathering point and a favorite stop for families, cyclists, photographers, and visitors exploring the Westside. Located near the Jordan River Trail and several neighborhood destinations, the sculpture serves as a welcoming landmark that invites people to discover more of Poplar Grove.
The sculpture also reflects something that has always defined this neighborhood: finding new purpose in old things. Just as reclaimed steel was transformed into a work of art, Poplar Grove continues to celebrate its history while investing in its future through new parks, public spaces, local businesses, neighborhood events, and community-led improvements.
Whether you're visiting for the first time or have called Poplar Grove home for years, Kosmo stands as a reminder that our neighborhood has stories spanning millions of years, from prehistoric Utah to today's vibrant Westside community.
The sculpture also reflects something that has always defined this neighborhood: finding new purpose in old things. Just as reclaimed steel was transformed into a work of art, Poplar Grove continues to celebrate its history while investing in its future through new parks, public spaces, local businesses, neighborhood events, and community-led improvements.
Whether you're visiting for the first time or have called Poplar Grove home for years, Kosmo stands as a reminder that our neighborhood has stories spanning millions of years, from prehistoric Utah to today's vibrant Westside community.
About Poplar Grove
Poplar Grove is one of Salt Lake City's original westside neighborhoods, with roots dating back to the late 1800s as the city expanded beyond the railroad corridor. Today, the neighborhood is known for its diversity, strong sense of community, historic homes, neighborhood parks, and growing public art.
The Poplar Grove Community Council represents residents and businesses within the neighborhood boundaries of North Temple to the north, 900 South to the south, I-15 to the east, and Redwood Road to the west. These boundaries have long defined Poplar Grove and continue to guide the Community Council's efforts to advocate for the neighborhood.
Throughout the year, the Poplar Grove Community Council works with residents, local organizations, and Salt Lake City to support projects that strengthen the neighborhood, including public art, community events, transportation improvements, parks, and opportunities for neighbors to connect.
If you're visiting Kosmo, we hope you'll also take time to explore everything else that makes Poplar Grove a unique part of Salt Lake City's Westside.
Throughout the year, the Poplar Grove Community Council works with residents, local organizations, and Salt Lake City to support projects that strengthen the neighborhood, including public art, community events, transportation improvements, parks, and opportunities for neighbors to connect.
If you're visiting Kosmo, we hope you'll also take time to explore everything else that makes Poplar Grove a unique part of Salt Lake City's Westside.