The first thing you’ll see entering National Harbor, a growing waterfront Oxon Hill, Md. tourist and residential development near the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, and I mean the very first thing is Albert Paley’s “The Beckoning.”

The 85-foot corten steel sculpture symbolizes the emergence of the new city. The multi-colors of vibrant reds, blues, purples, yellows and oranges portrays movement and nature.

Paley has several other works around Washington, including the gates at the Enid Haupt garden of the Smithsonian Castle and at the National Cathedral. There are also two 4,500-pound stainless steel eagles at National Harbor’s main plaza. Paley’s the first metal sculptor to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Institute of Architects.