A bridge can play many roles in art, such as a work of art in itself in addition to any functional considerations; as a focal point for a novel or film; as a metaphor in song or poetry; as the subject of a painting or photograph; or as a home for other works of art, such as sculptures.Especially popular are animals such as lions, perhaps serving as guardians.Examples are the 485 carved stone lions of the Marco Polo Bridge in China, which was first constructed in 1192, and the four Centre Street Bridge lions of Calgary, which date to 1917.Another well-known example of a bridge hosting statues is the Charles Bridge in Prague, which is home to 30 statues and statuaries, mostly baroque, dating to around 1700.An example of a bridge graced with extensive mosaic art is the Larry Monroe Forever Bridge in Austin, Texas.
Rendering of proposed new eastern span for
San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge
, designed for more than mere functionality and becoming quite costly to build