List of public art in Madison, Wisconsin facts for kids
Public art is like an open-air museum! It's art that you can see and enjoy in public places, like parks, streets, or outside buildings. Madison, Wisconsin, is full of amazing public art, from statues of important people to abstract sculptures and beautiful fountains. This list will tell you about some of the cool artworks you can find outdoors around the city.
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Discovering Public Art in Madison
Madison has many interesting sculptures and artworks placed all around, making the city a more beautiful and inspiring place. These artworks are often found in parks, on university campuses, or near important buildings. They tell stories, celebrate history, or simply add a touch of creativity to our everyday surroundings.
Famous Statues and Memorials
Some public artworks honor important figures or events from history. They help us remember the past and the people who shaped our world.
Abraham Lincoln
You can find a replica of the Abraham Lincoln statue on Bascom Hill at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. This bronze statue, created by Adolph Weinman in 1909, shows the 16th President of the United States. It's a popular spot for students and visitors.
Camp Randall Memorial Arch
The Camp Randall Memorial Arch stands at Randall Avenue and West Dayton Street. Built in 1912 by Lew Porter, this large granite arch remembers the soldiers who trained at Camp Randall during the American Civil War. It's a powerful reminder of Wisconsin's history.
Forward (Statue)
The Forward statue is a famous symbol of Wisconsin. The original bronze statue, created by Jean Pond Miner Coburn in 1895, is now at the Wisconsin Historical Society. A replica stands proudly at the Wisconsin State Capitol. This statue represents the state's motto, "Forward," showing a woman moving ahead with determination.
Hans Christian Heg
Near the Wisconsin State Capitol, you'll find the Hans Christian Heg statue. Sculpted by Paul Fjelde in 1925, this bronze statue honors Hans Christian Heg, a Norwegian-American abolitionist and military officer who fought in the Civil War.
William Dempster Hoard
At the University of Wisconsin–Madison's College of Agriculture, there's a bronze statue of William Dempster Hoard. Created by Gutzon Borglum in 1922, this statue recognizes Hoard's important contributions to Wisconsin's dairy farming industry.
Lady Wisconsin
Another significant statue at the Wisconsin State Capitol is Wisconsin, also known as Forward. This large bronze statue, made by Daniel Chester French in 1914, stands tall and represents the spirit of the state.
Art at the Wisconsin State Capitol
The Wisconsin State Capitol building is not just a government center; it's also home to many impressive artworks, especially sculptures that represent important ideas.
Faith, Knowledge, Prosperity, and Strength
Around the Capitol, you'll see several granite sculptures by Karl Bitter, all created around 1912. These include Faith, Knowledge, Prosperity and Abundance, and Strength. Each statue is about 12 to 15 feet tall and symbolizes important values.
Liberty Supported by the Law
Also by Karl Bitter, the Liberty Supported by the Law sculpture from 1910 is another granite piece at the Capitol. It's a large artwork, about 8 feet tall and 40 feet wide, representing the idea that freedom is upheld by laws.
Wisdom, Thought, and Reflection
Created by Adolph Weinman in 1917, Wisdom, Thought, and Reflection is another notable artwork at the Wisconsin State Capitol. It encourages visitors to think deeply about these important concepts.
Unique Sculptures Around Madison
Beyond historical figures, Madison features many unique and modern sculptures that add character to different neighborhoods.
ACT
In Olbrich Park, you'll find ACT by William King, a large aluminum sculpture from 1979 that stands 26 feet tall. It's a striking piece that encourages movement and interaction.
Blue Lantern on Tripod & Blue Urn with Dragon
Artist Sid Boyum created several distinctive painted cast concrete sculptures around Madison. Two examples are Blue Lantern on Tripod at Atwood Avenue and Eastwood Drive, and Blue Urn with Dragon at Atwood Avenue and Jackson Street. These whimsical pieces add a touch of fantasy to the urban landscape.
Generations
At the Chazen Museum of Art, you can see Generations by Richard Artschwager, created in 1991. This large artwork combines steel, granite, concrete, Plexiglas, and even plants, stretching over 150 feet long! It's a fascinating piece that makes you think about different eras.
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Nails' Tales
Once located at Camp Randall Stadium, Nails' Tales by Donald Lipski (2005) was a tall concrete sculpture, about 20 feet high. It was a unique piece that used everyday objects in an artistic way.
Spare Time
On a rooftop at 11 West Main Street, you might spot Spare Time by John Martinson, a steel sculpture from 1979. It's an interesting example of art placed in an unexpected urban setting.
Images for kids
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The Abraham Lincoln statue on Bascom Hill at night.
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The historic Camp Randall Memorial Arch.
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The "Faith" statue at the Wisconsin State Capitol.
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The original Forward statue from 1893.
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The "Generations" sculpture at the Chazen Museum of Art.
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The Hans Christian Heg statue.
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The "Knowledge" and "Prosperity and Abundance" statues.
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The "Liberty Supported by the Law" sculpture.
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The UW-Madison Field House, near where "Nails' Tales" was located.
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The "Strength" statue.
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The monument to William Dempster Hoard.
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The "Lady Wisconsin" statue atop the State Capitol.
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The "Wisdom, Thought, and Reflection" sculpture.
