Art Institute Lions return to posts after deep-cleaning, "cleaner and greener than ever"
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Did you miss the Art Institute Lions? Of course you did, and we did too.
The bronze lion sculptures are now back on their perches on either side of the museum's front steps, and the museum says they're "cleaner and greener than ever" after receiving a deep cleaning and a fresh coat of wax.
No lyin’…the lions have come home to the @artinstitutechi. @cbschicago pic.twitter.com/oSjSdIXRUb
— Ed Curran (@EdCurran) July 19, 2022
They left back on June 14 for their first deep cleaning in 21 years. Crews hoisted them back into place just before noon on Tuesday.
The bronze lions were sculpted in 1893 by Edward Kemeys, and were installed in front of the Art Institute the following year. As the Park District notes, the Chicago Tribune in 1894 quoted Kemeys as saying the lions were conceived of as guards for the building. The south lion, Kemeys told the newspaper, is "attracted by something in the distance which he is closely watching," while the north lion "has his back up, and is ready for a roar and a spring."
In their 128 years in front of the Art Institute, the lions have become city icons and even mascots – and have suited up to join Chicago in an array of celebrations. They're outfitted in wreaths every holiday season, and are bedecked in celebratory giant helmets and caps each time the Cubs, White Sox, Bulls, Bears, or Blackhawks see postseason action.
Reports of Lions 🦁 🦁 on the loose on Michigan Avenue are…confirmed. pic.twitter.com/fkQskSonDU
— Art Institute Lions (@ChicagoLions) July 19, 2022
They also have their own quirky Twitter account.
SOUTH Lion retakes the pedestal. pic.twitter.com/V3SGQhZXDj
— Art Institute Lions (@ChicagoLions) July 19, 2022
NORTH Lion roars & soars!
— Art Institute Lions (@ChicagoLions) July 19, 2022
(video by @sally_schulze) pic.twitter.com/as7dp3mWeQ
The lions have gone on vacation for conservation work before, the last time in 2001.
The lions get a deep cleaning!
— The Art Institute of Chicago (@artinstitutechi) July 15, 2022
Thanks to Conservation of Sculpture & Objects Studio, Inc. (CSOS) for their great work.
See the lions cleaner (and greener) than ever next week when they're back in front of the Art Institute. pic.twitter.com/aAg3igCp9H