Twenty-six life-size human sculptures of cast iron and aluminum will be revealed at Westlake Park today. Titled "Borders", the installation by Icelandic sculptor Steinunn Thórarinsdóttir will be one of two cross-town exhibitions opening today.

Coinciding with the installation at Westlake Park, "Borders at the Nordic Heritage Museum" opens today as well. This exhibition, open through August 28, features smaller figures by Thórarinsdóttir and photographs by Murray Head of the exhibition when New York City hosted Borders in 2011.

With her life-size sculptures, Thórarinsdóttir seeks to bring a significant and striking artistic experience to the daily lives of Seattle citizens and visitors. The figures will stand dispersed around the park and seated on park benches, mirroring each other in silent conversation and form unseen borders that visitors are welcome to cross — serving as ambassadors between sculptures.

The exhibition addresses humanity and cultural diversity, an appropriate theme for one of the most culturally and politically active sites in Seattle. Borders will connect many diverse constituencies to new artistic experiences, foster conversation, and provide a unique backdrop for daily events at this public space.

There will be an opening ceremony at Westlake Park at 5:00 p.m. with distinguished guests such as Ambassador of Iceland to the United States Gudmundur Árni Stefánsson, Deputy Mayor of Seattle Darryl Smith, and Seattle City Councilmember Tom Rasmussen.

The festivities will then move to the Nordic Heritage Museum with a reception from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.