The Portland Museum of Art placed the Robert Indiana sculpture “Seven” in front of the museum Monday morning. The steel sculpture, which announces the museum’s presence at 7 Congress Square, will be celebrated at 5:30 p.m. Friday as part of the city’s First Friday Art Walk.

Indiana, 86, lives on Vinalhaven off Rockland. “This is a public announcement that 7 Congress Square will always be a place for art,” said chief curator Jessica May. She called Indiana “one of the state’s most beloved artists,” and said placing art outside the museum is part of a larger effort to engage with the public whenever possible.

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Workers get ready to install the “Seven” sculpture by Robert Indiana outside of the Portland Museum of Art. “This is a public announcement that 7 Congress Square will always be a place for art,” the chief curator says John Patriquin/Staff Photographer

Mike Labbe cuts holes for bolts that will hold the 8-foot-tall sculpture in place.

Kris Kenow and Greg Welch shrink-wrap the sculpture before it is lifted by a crane.

The sculpture weighs about 3,000 pounds, and was placed on a 22-inch concrete base.

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