The Awakening

The 72-foot statue consists of five aluminum segments depicting a giant man emerging from the earth with a screaming face and extended limbs.

Created by John Seward Johnson II in 1980 for the Washington DC Sculpture Conference, the artwork was initially installed at Hains Point before moving to National Harbor in 2008.

The sculpture represents the universal human experience of breaking free from constraints through its depiction of a colossal figure struggling to emerge from the ground.

Visitors can walk around all five segments of the sculpture and take photographs near the 17-foot right arm, head, and other body parts rising from the sand.

The statue includes precise anatomical elements such as skin folds, bent fingers, and detailed facial features, all crafted from industrial grade aluminum materials.

Location: Maryland

Inception: 1980

Creator: John Seward Johnson II

Made from material: aluminium

GPS coordinates: 38.78516,-77.01719

Latest update: May 7, 2025 16:47