Buffalo

About the Sculpture

Dedicated May 17, 1930, this life-size bronze American bison sculpture stands at the east entrance of Pioneers Park off Coddington Avenue. Harris Circle (commonly called 'Buffalo Circle') displays the principal entrance feature and has become emblematic of the park. The bison faces the capitol building, but represents the great animals that use to roam the land and were wiped out before the state was founded. 

"It will keep the memory of these magnificent animals which were in such great number in the state of Nebraska."  - G. Gardet

Plaque inscription: "This park and this statue are gifts to the city of Lincoln from John F. Harris and Gertrude Upham Harris, and are dedicated to the memory of those pioneers who gave Nebraska to the Nation". 

About the Artist

Georges Gardet (October 11, 1863 - February 6, 1939) was a French sculptor and animalier, which is an artist that specializes in the realistic portrayal of animals. Gardet was the son of a sculptor, leading to his career. He studied at the Ecole de Beaux-Arts under Aime Millet and Emmanuel Fremiet. He was made an Officer of the Legion of Honor in 1900, one of the highest French orders of merit. 

His work is shown worldwide, including Eternal Youth for the Manitoba Legislative Building in Winnipeg, groups of lions at the Pont Alexandre III in Paris, and the Monument to the Lion of Judah in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 

"I was prejudiced in favor of Gardet, the sculptor, whom I know intimately... I believe him to be the greatest sculptor of animals the world has ever known." - John F. Harris when speaking of the sculpture. 

** NOTE - Various historical documents and newspapers have the artist listed as M. Gaudet.

Additional Information

Pioneers Park,  3201 S Coddington Ave. 

Height:  5.5 ft. at the shoulders

Length: 9 ft. 

Weight: 3,000 lbs. 

Location

3201 S Coddington Ave, Lincoln 68522  View Map

40.780010, -96.751221

3201 S Coddington Ave , Lincoln 68522

3201 S Coddington Ave , Lincoln 68522

Buffalo