Adding to the modern landscape of Ipswich’s historic port area is the Question Mark sculpture. See this simple black and white granite representation of a punctuation mark said to symbolize the curious minds of university students. Funding for the Question Mark sculpture came from the University of Suffolk, local government and the Arts Council England. Unveiled in 2011, it was both praised for being innovative and derided for being a misuse of public finances.
The sculpture depicts an oversized horizontal question mark outside the Waterfront Building of the University Campus Suffolk. Climb onto the sculpture and snap a souvenir photo while sitting in the curve. Make your own theories about the meaning of the sculpture. According to one of the architects, it represents the need for students and the general public to ask questions and be critical of their surroundings. It can also inspire the desire to be motivated to make changes.
Go inside the Waterfront Building and browse the art exhibitions at the Waterfront Gallery. The main exhibition, East Contemporary Art: A Collection of 21st Century Practice, showcases the work of contemporary East Anglian artists. The gallery is open daily and admission is free.
Located on Ipswich Waterfront, the sculpture is a short walk from several other town attractions. Stroll along the quayside, which began as a dockyard in Saxon times. Find bars and restaurants set inside revitalized redbrick warehouses. Take a sightseeing cruise on the River Orwell aboard a sailboat and passenger ferry.
Visit the collection of historical buildings located nearby, including the 19th-century Customs House. Browse art exhibitions and attend concerts at St. Peter’s by the Waterfront. Wolsey’s Gate is the former entranceway to a 16th-century school founded by the notable townsperson Cardinal Thomas Wolsey.
The Question Mark sculpture is about a 15-minute walk from the town center. If arriving by car use one of the metered car parks close to the waterfront area.
