Charles Ross's 50-Year Earthwork Star Axis Nears Completion in New Mexico

Charles Ross's monumental earthwork Star Axis, conceived in 1971, is approaching its public opening after five decades of development on a New Mexico mesa. The project, an observatory focused on Polaris, aims to make Earth's 26,000-year precession cycle perceptible through architectural components like the Star Tunnel and Solar Pyramid. In 1975, Ross secured land from rancher W.O. Culbertson, Jr. after a chance encounter with his son Miles Culbertson. Funded by donations and sales, including support from patron Virginia Dwan, the $10 million project is now under the Land Light Foundation, which seeks $5 million for final construction and an institutional partner. Ross, 88, lives seasonally on-site with his wife Jill O'Bryan. The work aligns with Land Art pioneers like Michael Heizer and Robert Smithson, yet Ross has operated without mega-gallery backing, represented by Franklin Parrasch Gallery and Parrasch Heijnen. Recent attention includes his prism installation Spectrum 14 at the Getty Center and a film screening at the National Gallery of Art. Star Axis will welcome small reservation-only groups, with overnight stays at the Element House guest facility.