Statue of Christopher Columbus, Bronze statue in Discovery Park, Chula Vista, United States.
The Statue of Christopher Columbus in Discovery Park is a bronze figure created by artist Mario Zamora, depicting the navigator standing with crossed arms and a telescope held to his chest. The sculpture rests on a granite base and serves as a notable focal point within the park.
The monument was installed in 1991 to commemorate 500 years since Columbus arrived in the Americas, featuring a quotation from philosopher George Santayana on its base. This installation represented a moment of public recognition for a major historical figure.
The monument sparked discussions about historical representation, leading to its removal in 2020 amid nationwide conversations about public memorials.
The statue is freely accessible in Discovery Park and can be viewed by visitors during daylight hours. The granite base carries an inscription that provides additional information if examined up close.
The statue was dedicated to the location by a partnership between McMillin Communities and Home Capital, making it a privately funded public artwork. This connection shows how real estate developers contribute to shaping local public spaces.
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