Filipino American artist JEFRË has officially unveiled what is believed to be the world's tallest heart sculpture, titled "Heart in the Park," during a grand opening ceremony in Port St. Lucie, Florida. The impressive 73-foot-tall stainless steel structure has already achieved record-setting status for its height, though this recognition remains unofficial at this time.
To put this achievement in perspective, the current tallest known heart sculpture is the Francis heart in Portugal, which was dedicated to the late Pope Francis and stands at 39 feet tall. JEFRË's creation nearly doubles that height, making it a significant architectural and artistic milestone. However, for the artist, this monumental piece represents much more than just breaking records or creating a landmark.
"This heart doesn't just represent my story; it represents our story. It's a tribute to second chances, to shared strength, to love that binds us all," JEFRË explained during promotional events for the sculpture. The artist's inspiration for this work stems from a deeply personal experience that transformed his life and artistic vision.
JEFRË revealed that at age 35, he suffered a heart attack and underwent triple-bypass surgery, a life-changing moment that redirected his focus toward public art. "At the age of 35, I had a heart attack and had triple-bypass surgery," he told Hometown News. "That moment changed my life." This personal health crisis became the driving force behind his decision to create art that would connect with people on a universal level, using the heart as a symbol of what unites humanity.
The artist's recent accomplishments extend beyond this monumental sculpture. As recently as 2024, JEFRË designed the silver figurine trophies for the 50th anniversary of the Metro Manila Film Festival, showcasing his versatility and continued connection to his Filipino heritage. Just a year later, he found himself unveiling this latest creation, which has been billed as the world's tallest sculpture of its kind.
The grand opening event took place on August 23rd and coincided with the launch of The Shoppes at the Heart plaza, a substantial 71,000-square-foot dining and shopping center strategically located adjacent to the towering Heart sculpture. This timing created a dual celebration that brought together art, commerce, and community engagement in a single event.
The opening ceremony featured multiple community-focused activities that aligned with the sculpture's message of health and connection. In partnership with the American Heart Association and the St. Lucie County Fire District, the event offered hands-on CPR training sessions, pledge booths for visitors to make health commitments, and the special opportunity for attendees to meet JEFRË himself. These interactive elements reinforced the sculpture's deeper meaning beyond its aesthetic and record-breaking qualities.
The "Heart in the Park" sculpture now serves as both a artistic landmark and a symbol of resilience, second chances, and the universal connections that bind communities together. Through his personal journey from a life-threatening health crisis to creating this towering monument, JEFRË has demonstrated how art can transform personal struggles into public symbols of hope and unity.
