University Libraries

Resources For:

Students
Faculty
Community

Information For:

Kent State University Sculptures, Memorials & Points of Interest

As the history of Kent State University developed so did its need to create a collective memory represented by markers and/or sculptures. There are a few modest examples from the 1920s and 1930s: one represents a fraternity's pride in the original front campus in the form of pavers spelling out "Kent" in capital letters; another is an entrance gate memorial to a dedicated professor, May H. Prentice, built with money raised by students during the early years of the Great Depression.

When the campus expanded in the late 1960s a few sculptures appeared near Taylor Hall. But the events of May Fourth cast landmarks and sculptures at that site into a more somber light: they now served as memorials, mute witnesses of a tragic day. In the early 1970s, an earth work by a pioneer conceptual artist and two commemorative sculptures dedicated to fallen students became associated with the event. In the early decade of the twenty-first century, Kent State's interest in outdoor sculptures by noted artists is evident in two projects commissioned for the area around the science buildings.

Other sculptures of varied materials and scales have been sited on the University Esplanade, part of a new campus initiative to create a path linking to Kent, the city. The four sculptures of various media stand out as handsome additions to the environment. They integrate with the landscape and buildings and serve as substantial and unique markers for those who encounter them. A link to the Campus Sculpture Map is found here. Below in alphabetical order is a list of campus sculptures and landmarks.

University Libraries

Resources For:

Information For:

Kent State University Sculptures, Memorials & Points of Interest

Behind the Brain

Engagement with Color

Eye to Eye

Kent Four

Kent Pavers

KSU Arch

The Limits of Spoken Language: Congeries

May 4th Memorial

May H. Prentice Memorial Gate

Pagoda

Partially Buried Woodshed

Prentice Lot Memorials

Roe Green Lobby Sculpture: "the light that can be heard. . ."

Solar Totem

Spiral Growth

Starsphere 2010

Victory Bell

Walking Together

The Witnesses