Rainbow Unicorn

Commissioned as part of Kazincbarcika's ambitious urban regeneration initiative, the Rainbow Unicorn was created to become a new contemporary symbol of the city. Drawing inspiration from the unicorn depicted in Kazincbarcika's historic coat of arms, Gábor M. Szőke reinterpreted this traditional emblem through his distinctive sculptural language, transforming a centuries-old heraldic figure into a dynamic, monumental work of contemporary public art. The sculpture became a central element of the city's Color City program—an award-winning urban branding and revitalization project that introduced vibrant public art as a defining feature of Kazincbarcika's identity. The unicorn's colorful surface reflects the project's vision of creativity, openness, and urban renewal, turning the sculpture into a powerful landmark that celebrates both the city's heritage and its future. Far beyond its role as a public artwork, the Rainbow Unicorn evolved into the visual identity of Kazincbarcika itself. It later appeared in the city's renewed coat of arms, inspired mascot characters, and became a recurring symbol across posters, public campaigns, and cultural events. Today, the sculpture stands as a testament to the transformative power of public art—not only enriching urban space, but shaping the identity, image, and collective memory of an entire city.