Chicago is famous for its beautiful landmarks, most modern buildings and leading technological inventions. Ancient culture is also one of the things you should explore. In particular, there are many very unique and strange statues here.
In this article, we will introduce a few such unique statues.
- Heald Square Monument's Statue of Liberty
The Heald Square Monument is a bronze sculpture group by Lorado Taft in Heald Square, Chicago, Illinois. It depicts General George Washington and the two principal financiers of the American Revolution: Robert Morris and Haym Salomon. Following Taft's 1936 death, the sculpture was completed by his associates Leonard Crunelle, Nellie Walker and Fred Torrey.
Heald Square is located in the Michigan–Wacker Historic District of Chicago's Loop community area. The square was named for Captain Nathan Heald, commander of Fort Dearborn from 1810 to 1812.
What makes this beautiful sculpture particularly interesting is the little-known bronze plaque on the back side of the granite base, showing a seated Statue of Liberty. In this depiction, Lady Liberty is “stretching out her arms to welcome all persons of whatever race and belief.”
- The Grand Old Man of Dentistry
The Grand Old Man of Dentistry was one of the founders of modern dentistry in the United States. He is also known as the father of operative dentistry. He taught in the Dental Department at the University of Iowa, beginning in 1890 before moving to Chicago.
The inscription on Black’s statue reads “Born on the prairies of Central Illinois; self-educated, he became in his profession the foremost scientific investigator, writer and teacher of his time.”
- Rosenberg Statue
The Texas Heroes Monument is located in Galveston, Texas, and was commissioned by Henry Rosenberg to commemorate the brave people who fought during the Texas Revolution. The monument was built by New England Granite Works using Concord, New Hampshire, granite and bronze. The total cost was $50,000, and it was shipped before June 4, 1899. The sculptor of the monument was Louis Amateis. It is located at the intersection of Broadway and Rosenberg Avenue. It was unveiled on April 22, 1900.
Henry Rosenberg, a well-known banker, bequeathed nearly a quarter of a million dollars to public enterprises, and among other items his will set aside $50,000 for the erection of a monument to commemorate the deeds of the heroes who participated in the struggle for Texas's independence. Rosenberg, Texas, is named after Henry Rosenberg, and he spent much of his money on other building projects like the Galveston Orphans Home and the Rosenberg Library.
- Man with Fish
Man with Fish is an outdoor fountain and sculpture by German artist Stephan Balkenhol, installed outside Chicago's Shedd Aquarium, in the U.S. state of Illinois. It is made from bronze that was then painted, and is 16 feet tall.
What is great about this water-spewing oddity is that it’s fun. Not every artist creates a Venus de Milo, and that’s okay. So, hats off to Man with Fish and its designer. After taking in the statue, check out Shedd Aquarium and the nearby Lake Michigan shoreline.
- Oz Park
Oz Park is a public park in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of North Side, Chicago. It is located at 2021 North Burling Street, at the corner of Lincoln and Webster, just south of the Lincoln, Halsted, and Fullerton intersection.
The park features Oz-ified amenities like a playground called Dorothy’s Playlot and a volunteer green space known as the Emerald Gardens. The main attractions in the park, however, are the character statues that stand throughout the space. The story’s beloved characters, as depicted in the 1939 musical adaptation of the Wizard of Oz, are there for visitors to see. Wander around, and you’ll spot the Tin Man, Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion, Dorothy, and Toto. Each character was created by local artist John Kearney.
Oz Park has done wonders for its Lincoln Park neighborhood, providing a safe, clean space for both tourists and the resident community alike. In the park, the Wonderful Wizard of Oz is working his magic in the real world.
- The Fountain of Time
Fountain of Time, or simply Time, is a sculpture by Lorado Taft, measuring 126 feet 10 inches (38.66 m) in length, situated at the western edge of the Midway Plaisance within Washington Park in Chicago, Illinois, in the United States. The fountain's water was turned on in 1920, and the sculpture was dedicated in 1922. It is a contributing structure to the Washington Park United States Registered Historic District, which is a National Register of Historic Places listing.
Extensive renovation of the sculpture was completed as recently as 2005, the supporters of Time continue to seek resources for additional lighting, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation has nominated it for further funding.
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