Alma Mater, Bronze sculpture at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, US
Alma Mater is a bronze statue on the campus of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, standing approximately 13 feet (4 meters) tall and weighing about 10,000 pounds (4500 kilograms). The central figure wears academic robes and is flanked by two companion figures positioned at its sides.
Artist Lorado Taft, a university graduate from 1879, created this work and it was dedicated in 1929. The monument has been part of the university's character since its arrival and has witnessed generations of students passing through campus.
The bronze depicts a central academic figure flanked by two companions whose clothing and bearing reflect traditional values. This arrangement symbolizes the connection between scholarly learning and practical work that is valued on this campus.
The monument sits at the intersection of Green and Wright Streets, making it easy to reach on foot. The site is openly accessible and frequently visited during daylight, especially when outdoor ceremonies take place on campus.
In 2012 the statue underwent major restoration to address corrosion, which required its removal from campus and specialized conservation techniques. The work revealed that despite decades of exposure to weather, the bronze had retained its details well.
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