A rocket ship landed in Altoona—and no, it’s not a movie set or a theme park ride. It’s “Mars 1,” a gleaming, 25-foot-tall sculpture in Haines Park that’s quickly become one of Altoona’s most iconic landmarks.
Crafted by local metal sculptor John Brommel, “Mars 1” looks like it shot straight out of a 1950s sci-fi flick. With its sleek silver curves and towering height, it’s hard to miss—and even harder not to love.
But behind the playful design is a deeper story. One that connects art, imagination, science, and a little bit of local history.
A Creative Force with Altoona Roots
If you’ve seen the giant frog at the Altoona Public Library or the Moai head in Ironwood Park, you’ve already met Brommel’s work. And while he technically lives in Des Moines, his creative fingerprints are all over Altoona. The city has embraced him as one of its own.
Brommel has been an artist his entire life. With a 35-year career as a steamfitter, he learned the welding and technical skills that now shape his metal sculptures. “For the technical aspects of being a metal sculptor, I’m not sure if there’s a better training,” he said.
When Altoona came calling again—this time looking for something imaginative and inspiring for all ages—Brommel didn’t hesitate.
“[The city] said we’d like you to think on that and see what you come up with,” Brommel recalled. “I said, ‘OK, I’ve got it.’ And they asked, ‘Already?’”
The result? A retro rocket ship called “Mars 1”—designed to spark wonder in kids and curiosity in adults. “Wouldn’t it be fantastic if that affirmation actually made one of the children who grew up in Altoona become one of the original crew members that went to Mars?” Brommel asked.
A Nod to a Hometown Hero
After the rocket was installed, the city added a dedication plaque honoring John Houbolt, an Altoona native and NASA scientist. Houbolt was the man behind the bold idea to use a Lunar Module to land on the moon—a method that ultimately made the Apollo missions successful.
It’s a meaningful connection: a sculpture inspired by future space travel honoring someone who helped make it possible. In this humble Altoona park, art and science now stand tall together.
Built with Passion (and a Lot of Steel)
Constructing “Mars 1” was no easy task. It pushed Brommel to the edge of his skill set, and he even had to buy new equipment and learn new things to execute it. “Which is my best day,” he said.
That spirit of learning and stretching creatively is what makes Brommel’s work so compelling. “When I say I must learn things, that’s like going to a birthday party and saying I must have a piece of cake,” he said.
The rocket was built in his own workshop—a space with a trolley beam system that allowed him to lift and maneuver the massive components. Weighing in at 2,000 pounds, “Mars 1” is as sturdy as it is stylish.
Public Art with Altoona Soul
Altoona has become a welcoming home for public art, and Brommel has been a big part of that. “Altoona has been so trusting and so generous,” he said. “I just can’t say thank you enough to them for having the faith in me to produce what has turned out to be landmarks in their city.”
From whimsical insects to a rocket ship aimed at Mars, Brommel’s work proves that public art isn’t just decoration—it’s inspiration. And in Altoona, creativity is always within reach.
So next time you’re in Haines Park, stop by and see “Mars 1” up close. Snap a photo. Read the plaque. And maybe—just maybe—start dreaming a little bigger.
Discover More Art in Altoona
Thanks for reading this edition of Masterpieces of Altoona! We’ll be regularly updating this blog with content about Altoona’s amazing public art displays. Be on the lookout for more Masterpieces of Altoona QR codes—you’ll find them at exhibits throughout the city!
Follow Visit Altoona on social to stay in the loop.
