Pantone's fresh public artwork honors Coldplay's iconic 'Yellow' melody, marking its 25th anniversary.
A Giant Pantone Color Chip Transforms Wembley Park: A Tribute to Coldplay's Iconic Song 'Yellow'
Wembley Park, the district that includes Wembley Stadium, has teamed up with Pantone to create a public art installation called Yellow 25. This latest addition to the free Wembley Park Art Trail is a celebration of Coldplay's seminal hit song 'Yellow', originally released on June 26, 2000.
The installation, Yellow 25, is a large-scale immersive artwork that transforms the Spanish Steps in Wembley Park into a giant Pantone colour chip. Each step of Yellow 25 has been matched to a specific shade of yellow using the Pantone Matching System, reflecting the song's melodic arc. The 58 steps mirror the melodic progression of the song Yellow, starting with pale, muted tones and building to deeper, more luminous golds.
The Spanish Steps, a pedestrian link between Wembley Stadium and the OVO Arena Wembley, have become a cultural stage. Previously, the Spanish Steps were transformed with a mural by Frank Styles to celebrate Taylor Swift's 'Eras' tour. Now, they are adorned with the vibrant hues of Yellow 25, turning music into something tactile and immersive.
Yellow, the colour of sunlight, joy, and devotion, is associated with optimism, warmth, and creativity. The shades of yellow in Yellow 25 are intended to spark these emotions in visitors to Wembley Park. The installation captures the essence of Coldplay's enduring legacy, connecting the public space with the band's global impact.
The project was inspired by the idea that colour, like music, is an emotional form of communication. Pantone was inspired to create Yellow 25 to visually represent the emotional journey of the song Yellow. As Jane Boddy, creative director at the Pantone Color Institute, explained, "We wanted to create a visual representation of the feeling of Yellow and its emotional arc in a new, sensory way."
The installation launched in August 2025, just before Coldplay's record-breaking ten-night residency at Wembley Stadium as part of their Music of the Spheres world tour. The project also received support from London’s Deputy Mayor for Culture, highlighting London’s status as a global music capital.
Yellow 25 is a celebration of the enduring power of art and community. It is a testament to the impact that music can have on our emotions and the way we perceive the world around us. As Coldplay's 'Music of the Spheres' world tour begins at Wembley Stadium in London on 22 August, Yellow 25 serves as a symbol of the band's legacy and the enduring connection between music and art.
[1] Wembley Park [2] Pantone [3] Coldplay [4] Music of the Spheres [5] Jane Boddy, creative director at the Pantone Color Institute
