Nicolaus Copernicus Monument (Chicago)
The Nicolaus Copernicus Monument in Chicago is a bronze sculpture commemorating the Polish astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus, who formulated a model of the universe that placed the Sun rather than the Earth at the center. It is located in the city's Museum Campus, near the Adler Planetarium.
The monument consists of a large bronze statue of Copernicus holding a celestial sphere in his left hand and a compass in his right. He is depicted wearing academic robes. The statue stands atop a granite pedestal.
The monument was created by the Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen. The original Thorvaldsen statue was created in 1830 and stands in Warsaw, Poland. The Chicago monument is a bronze replica, cast in Copenhagen. It was presented to the city of Chicago by the Polish-American community and dedicated in 1973. The monument serves as a symbol of Polish heritage and a tribute to Copernicus's scientific contributions. It is a popular landmark for tourists and locals alike and is often the site of cultural celebrations and events.