Alma Mater, Bronze sculpture at Columbia University, New York, USA
The Alma Mater statue portrays a seated female figure in academic robes, holding a scepter and book on the steps of Low Memorial Library.
Daniel Chester French created this bronze monument in 1901, and workers installed it at Columbia University campus in September 1903.
The sculpture incorporates symbols of wisdom, including a hidden owl in the robes and a laurel crown, representing academic excellence and knowledge.
Located at coordinates 40.8078256, -73.9621333, visitors can find the statue at the central steps leading to Columbia University's main library.
Students established a tradition of searching for the concealed owl within the statue's bronze folds, considering it a symbol of good fortune.
Location: Manhattan
Location: New York City
Inception: 1904
Creator: Daniel Chester French
GPS coordinates: 40.80783,-73.96213
Latest update: May 27, 2025 11:49
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