The Great God Pan

The Great God Pan is a bronze sculpture at Columbia University depicting the mythological figure as a reclining half-man, half-goat playing reed pipes while resting on a granite base. The work displays smooth modeling and naturalistic detail throughout the figure's relaxed pose and musical gesture.

The sculpture was created between 1898 and 1899 by American sculptor George Grey Barnard, who earned significant recognition for the work at the 1900 Paris Exposition. This award established Barnard as a prominent figure in international sculptural practice during the turn of the century.

The figure represents the Greek god Pan, known for his connection to nature and music through the playing of reed pipes. This portrayal captures a quiet moment that embodies his character as a guardian of the wild.

The sculpture is located on campus north of West 116th Street, positioned between Lewisohn Hall and Low Memorial Library in an open outdoor setting. This placement makes it easily accessible to pedestrians walking through the main campus grounds.

The Henry-Bonnard Bronze Company cast this large work in a single pour, an extraordinary technical achievement for the period. This method required precision and skill in managing the material at such a monumental scale.

Creator: George Grey Barnard

Official opening: 1907

GPS coordinates: 40.80822,-73.96256

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:28