The Dragonboat Ferris Wheel is one of many new works of art visitors can see at Robolights this year. Zoe Meyers/The Desert Sun


On a chilly, moonless night, dozens wearing jackets, hoods and mittens walked several blocks to catch one last glimpse of Robolights at its home in a residential section of Palm Springs. 

The exhibit, a unique blend of light and art, ended its run on Granvia Valmonte on Wednesday, a farewell that had been known for weeks after the exhibit's creator, Kenny Irwin Jr., reached an agreement with the city of Palm Springs about its future. 

Rodrigo Lopez, a first-time visitor, drove from Beaumont to see the exhibit before it closed. He toured Robolights about an hour before the lights shut off. 

"The random things make everything come alive," he said, pointing to a can of Spam that was part of an installation. 

For years, Robolights has entertained and captivated those who have stepped foot on the site. 

Some of the familiar sights greeting guests Wednesday, included a giant yellow M&M with purple electric drills for ears, a see-through duck filled with rainbow-colored breakfast cereal and a rotating toilet that had a baby doll and beer can sticking out of it. 

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Palm Desert resident Raphael Dionisio, who's said he's heading off to college soon, made it a point on Wednesday to visit one last time. 

"I'm wondering how popular it will be if he moves it," he said. 

It's unclear when and where the public will be able to see Robolights again. 

In November, the city of Palm Springs and Irwin reached an agreement in which Irwin accepted that the exhibit will need to move to a commercial location no less than a quarter-mile from any residence. The city said it will pay $125,000 to help cover moving costs. 

More: Your last chance to see Robolights at its current location is Jan. 2. Here's what you need to know

More: After lengthy fight with Palm Springs, Robolights opens as planned, but will have to find new home next year

The exhibit faced numerous challenges over the last few years. Neighbors complain about the noise, light pollution and rubbish left on the streets and on their properties by Robolights visitors. 

In 2016, the city of Palm Springs sued Irwin regarding code violations. It also issued an injunction, telling Irwin that the public couldn't step foot on his property because of the danger posed by inflatables if they blew off his roof. 

The injunction was later thrown out. Both parties reached a settlement, which stated that Irwin would need a yearly permit and could only allow the public to visit during specified hours. 

At Robolights, Irwin said he's looking forward to what lies ahead.

"I have dreams and hopes of creating something bigger and better than ever," he said. 

Previous reporting by Christopher Damien was used in this article.




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