Bust of Martin Luther King Jr. (U.S. Capitol) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bust of Martin Luther King Jr. |
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Bust in 2009
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| Artist | John Woodrow Wilson |
| Year | 1986 |
| Type | Patinated bronze |
| Location | Washington, D.C., United States |
| Owner | Architect of the Capitol |
The Bust of Martin Luther King Jr. is a special sculpture located in the United States Capitol rotunda in Washington, D.C.. It was created by an American artist named John Woodrow Wilson. This bust honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who was a very important leader in the civil rights movement in the United States.
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What is the Bust of Martin Luther King Jr.?
A bust is a type of sculpture that shows only the head, neck, and shoulders of a person. This particular bust shows Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in a thoughtful and peaceful way. He is looking slightly downward, as if he is thinking deeply.
Materials Used for the Sculpture
The bust is made from bronze, which is a strong metal often used for sculptures. It has a dark color, called a "patina," which makes it look like the black marble base it sits on. This design helps the bust blend in beautifully with its surroundings in the Capitol.
History of the Bust
The Bust of Martin Luther King Jr. was officially revealed on January 16, 1986. This was a very important day. Dr. King's wife, Coretta Scott King, along with their four children and Dr. King's sister, Christine King Farris, were all there for the special event.
Why This Bust is Important
This sculpture holds a special place in history. It was the first time an African American leader was honored with a bust in the United States Capitol rotunda. This showed how much Dr. King's work and his message of peace and equality meant to the nation. It reminds everyone who visits the Capitol of his lasting impact.
Other Memorials to Martin Luther King Jr.
There are many other artworks and memorials around the country that honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. These sculptures and monuments help people remember his important work and his dream of a fair and equal world for everyone.
