Chicago: Humboldt Park / Bisons

Bronze Bisons – by Edward Kemeys

1893 / Installed: 1911.

Location: Humboldt Park – Formal Garden.

Two bronze versions of American bisons occupy the entrace of the Formal Garden at Humboldt Park. These are reproduced by models sculptor Edward Kemeys made for the grounds of World’s Columbian Exposition, 1893. Like the Art Institute’s Lions, these two are also not identical. One has head down, as if gazing. The other stares forward.

In 1911, when the Humboldt park was being landscaped under Jen Jensen,
the World’s Fair Association commissioned sculptor Jules Bercham to reproduce these figures in bronze.
The Association also reproduced two sculptural groups for other Parks..
Bulls for Garfield Park.
The Republic for Jackson Park.