As another posted stated, they should have started small: 1 yr, 10yrs, then maybe a 1000. Iterating each time with a better design.
Also, dump the steel. You need something more inert.
Science experiments demonstrating discoveries of the past centuries (magnetism, electricity, radio) are a kind long-term useful art.
But, it's ok, I'm certainly not saying it's bad art just because I'm on fence about it.
Personally, I don't like when art makes me contemplate the delta between _intended ideals_ vs. actual execution.
Especially for this piece... it's just fake. "We made a camera that's going to take a 1,000 year exposure!" - and it's like... maaaan. No, no you didn't - and it's unethical to market that you did.