Montrose's Funnel Tunnel takes a bow on Sunday morning

Assistant Nadia Al-Khalifah helps install "Funnel Tunnel" August 9, 2013 in Houston along Montrose. This is the first installation of Art League Houston's Esplanade Project, which is making use of some unused city funds that were discovered. The work is in a Montrose median, south of West Gray, north of Westheimer, near Inversion Coffee House. less Assistant Nadia Al-Khalifah helps install "Funnel Tunnel" August 9, 2013 in Houston along Montrose. This is the first installation of Art League Houston's Esplanade Project, which is making use of some unused ... more Photo: Eric Kayne, For The Chronicle Photo: Eric Kayne, For The Chronicle Image 1 of / 80 Caption Close Montrose's Funnel Tunnel takes a bow on Sunday morning 1 / 80 Back to Gallery

On Sunday morning Patrick Renner’s Funnel Tunnel, a staple of the Montrose neighborhood scenery for the past 18 months, will be dismantled before it hits the road headed east for New Orleans.

This was the first installation of Art League Houston's Esplanade Project, making use of some unused city funds that were discovered. For now it is in a Montrose median, south of West Gray, north of Westheimer.

Art League Houston’s Michael Peranteau said Friday that the colorful wood that covers the creation’s 7,000-pound steel frame will be up for grabs for fans of the installation to keep as souvenirs.

“We have about 300 people coming so far,” says Peranteau. “We expect the regular Sunday crowd plus all the devotees.”

The dismantling party kicks off at 10 a.m. just as Montrosians hit up Inversion Coffee House for their morning Wi-Fi and caffeine fixes. And of course, it wouldn't be a Houston party without a DJ, a keg of beer, and breakfast, all of which will be at the event.

Peranteau expects the wood from the 180-foot sculpture made of reclaimed materials to be gone within a few hours.

The installation has been in the median across from Inversion for 18 months, which includes a six-month extension. Peranteau says that the funnel had plenty of high-profile fans, like Mayor Annise Parker, who wanted it to stay permanently. It had become a part of everyone’s daily commute.

The next stop for the Funnel Tunnel is the New Orleans Poydras Street Corridor where it will join other art installations, before moving on to Atlanta.