A towering new sculpture, “Journey to Wonder,” was publicly dedicated Thursday, taking its place outside Union Station as a centerpiece of the newly developed Rainen Family Plaza.
The 28-foot-tall colorful rocket-shaped sculpture was made possible through a donation from Kansas City natives and longtime Union Station supporters, Mike and Kathy Rainen.
“Journey to Wonder” is the brainchild of Kansas City artists Chris Duh and Ramon Olivera, and was produced entirely within Kansas City. The colorful rocket is adorned with 30 stylized visual elements, weaving in local landmarks like Union Station’s historic clock, a railroad locomotive, and a movie projector, alongside multiple references to science, space, and exploration.
Adding to its presence, the sculpture incorporates five kinetic elements that harness the wind, as well as sound effects and lighting, ensuring it captivates audiences day and night.
Onlookers take in Union Station’s newest sculpture titled ‘Journey to Wonder,’ on Thursday, June 26, 2025. The sculpture is 28-feet tall and features kinetic elements and light and sound effects. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com
Union Station’s newest sculpture titled ‘Journey to Wonder,’ on Thursday, June 26, 2025. The sculpture is 28-feet tall and features kinetic elements and light and sound effects. It also features different elements from the things that reside in Union Station, such as a train car, constellations, and elements of science. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com
Union Station’s newest sculpture titled ‘Journey to Wonder,’ on Thursday, June 26, 2025. The sculpture is 28-feet tall and features kinetic elements and light and sound effects. It also features different elements from the things that reside in Union Station, such as a train car, constellations, and elements of science. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com
Donors Mike and Kathy Rainen at the unveiling of Union Station’s newest sculpture titled ‘Journey to Wonder,’ on Thursday, June 26, 2025. The couple are long time supporters of Union Station and Kansas City natives. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com
A group of summer school children walk past Union Station’s newest sculpture titled ‘Journey to Wonder,’ on Thursday, June 26, 2025. The sculpture is 28-feet tall and features kinetic elements and light and sound effects. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com
Dominick Williams serves as a visual journalist for the Kansas City Star. His journalistic endeavors cover a diverse array of topics, notably sports, breaking news, human interest narratives, and culinary features.
