Franz the Bear, sculpture in Park City, Utah, U.S
Franz the Bear is a bronze sculpture showing a bear sitting on a bench in the heart of Park City. The statue sits at the center of Main Street, a walkway between historic buildings where visitors naturally linger while exploring the town.
The sculpture was created by Michele vandenHeuvel for the 2002 Winter Olympics held in Salt Lake City. After the games, it was moved from its original location at the transportation center to Main Street, where it has remained ever since as a lasting part of the town.
The bear's name gives it a friendly personality that resonates with visitors and locals alike. This spot has become a natural gathering point where people pause, sit down, and soak in the lively character of Main Street.
The bear sits at an accessible spot you can easily reach on foot while walking down Main Street. It makes a good place to rest and take photos, especially if you are exploring the area on foot.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, someone placed a face mask on the bear, showing how the community embraces the sculpture as part of everyday life. These spontaneous gestures reveal how the artwork invites people not just to view it, but to engage with it actively.
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