state street global advisors

the journey to create the iconic gold bar began with a simple concept sketch—an initial visualization that laid the groundwork for what would become a show-stopping installation. from there, our design team produced detailed renderings and precise build drawings to guide the transformation.

at the heart of the build was a decommissioned isuzu chassis, retrofitted with custom steel wire framing to sculpt the unmistakable silhouette of a gold bar. this phase demanded expert craftsmanship from our special projects division, where each steel element was meticulously aligned—not only to maintain structural integrity but also to comply with strict weight specifications.

once the framework was complete, sheet metal was carefully fitted over the structure, and the phrase “a little gold goes a long way…” was embossed onto the side. to achieve the gleaming finish, we applied a custom-engineered vinyl with an exacting golden hue.

to ensure department of transportation (dot) compliance for the gold bar’s road trip to its new york city activation, we designed removable steel-and-vinyl panels to cover the windshield and side mirrors during display. these panels were easily detached during transport, allowing the driver full visibility and reinstalled on-site for the activation to restore the full golden illusion.

in celebration of gld’s 20th anniversary, state street global advisors turned heads in new york’s financial district with a literal gold standard: a larger-than-life gold bar commemorating the etf that revolutionized access to gold investing.

the gold bar made its grand debut across state street’s social media as it journeyed from dallas to nyc—an eye-catching spectacle that captivated audiences along the way. once on site, it became a magnet for attention, with attendees and passersby eager to snap photos of this bold installation. in one dazzling stroke, a financial product often viewed as dry or technical was transformed into something visual, playful, and unforgettable.