CONSERVATORY

·Art Sculptures at Marjorie McNeely Conservatory

This bronze sculpture was created in 1925 by Harriet Frishmuth.   She worked in the Beaux-Arts Style, a style characterized by a lively naturalism that reflected the optimism of the turn of the century.

In 1916, Frishmuth was introduced to Desha, a popular concert dancer. Desha became the model for many of Frishmuth's most successful sculptures. Frishmuth was known for decorative and useful objects, such as bookends and playful fountains. Crest of the Wave is considered one of Frishmuth's finest achievements.

Crest of the Wave
Location: Marjorie McNeely Conservatory Palm Dome
Artist: Frishmuth, Harriet W.
Sculpture: Bronze with green petina
Base: concrete and tile fountain

 

Play Days
Location: Marjorie McNeely Conservatory Sunken Garden
Artist: Frishmuth, Harriet W.
Sculpture: Bronze with green petina
Base: concrete and tile fountain

·Art Sculptures at Como Zoo

This bronze portrait of Don the gorilla was donated to the Como Park Zoo by Betty Sievert in 1982. Don was a popular gorilla at the zoo for many years. His statue is now a popular site for family pictures.

Artist: Sievart, Betty
Sculpture: Bronze and stone
Location: Como Park Zoo, outside primate house

 

These giraffes were donated, in 1994, to the Como Park Zoo in memory of Sandra Kay Bjick. The giraffes are a popular photograph site for zoo visitors.

Artist: Third Street Studios
Sculpture: Fiberglass, lacquer and concrete
Location: Como Park Zoo, near giraffe exhibit

 


Image courtesy of Third Street Studios, 1759 Selby Ave, St Paul MN 55104

These playful polar bears are located near the polar bear exhibit at the Como Park Zoo.

Polar Bears
Artist: Third Street Studios
Sculpture: Fiberglass, lacquer and concrete
Location: Como Park Zoo, near polar bear exhibit

 


Image courtesy of Third Street Studios, 1759 Selby Ave, St Paul MN 55104

A plaque on the sculpture reads: "This statue is dedicated to 'Sparky' the Sea Lion, whose entertaining show has thrilled and delighted Como Zoo visitors for generations. As we envision the Zoo entering its second century, traditional favorites like 'Sparky' often come to mind. When Minnesota businessman Stanley E. Hubbard, Sr. arranged to bring Archie Brand's Seal Show to Como Zoo from Oregon in 1956, Sparky quickly became a hit. He began his career by performing for small enthusiastic crowds at the South end of the historic Zoological Building and since then has performed over 9,600 shows....following our long Minnesota winters, the 'Sparky the Sea Lion' show continues to be a welcome messenger of spring for millions of the Como Zoo visitors. Como Zoo Centennial: 1897-1997"

Sparky
Artist: Third Street Studios
Sculpture: Fiberglass, urethane, lacquer, wood and paint.
Location: Como Park Zoo, near Sparky Amphitheater

 

Toby the Tortoise, a long time favorite of Como Park Zoo visitors, is immortalized in this sculpture. The sculpture is one of the favorite attractions at the zoo for photos and for climbing.

Artist: Tischler
Media: Bronze
Location: Como Park Zoo Donor Plaza

·Art Sculptures at Como Park

Shortly after the World's Fair in St. Louis, architect Stchikawa designed a Japanese Imperial garden in Como Park. The only remaining vestige is this large granite bull frog.

Granite Frog
Location: Marjorie McNeely Conservatory Frog Pond
Artist: Unknown
Media: Granite, with cement base

 

This standing figure of Johann Christoph Friedrich von Schiller was dedicated in 1907. The sculpture was donated by U.S. German Societies of Saint Paul and private citizens of German descent to commemorate the renowned German philosopher, poet, and dramatist, Johann von Schiller. He was born in 1759 and is known for his enthusiastic optimism. His works gave vitality to the lives of many Germans.

Johann Friedrich von Schiller
Artist: Ignatium Taschner
Media: Bronze
Base: Vermont Granite
Location: Estabrook Drive and Nason Place