Bronze Sculptures Installed at Utah State Capitol

New sculptures of Thomas Jefferson and George Washington are on display at the Capitol's east entrance.

Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Fine Art

Two bronze statues on stone pedestals at the neoclassical entrance of a white marble capitol building. — Bronze sculptures of Thomas Jefferson and George Washington were installed at the Utah State Capitol's east entrance in Salt Lake City, honoring the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Bronze sculptures of Thomas Jefferson and George Washington have been installed at the east entrance of the Utah State Capitol. The pieces were transported from a Heber City farm to Salt Lake City to honor the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Why it matters

The installation serves as a commemorative tribute to the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It brings historical artwork from a private Heber City location to the public grounds of the state capital.

The sculptures have a combined market value of $170,000, with the Thomas Jefferson piece weighing 1,400 pounds and the George Washington piece weighing 900 pounds. The creation of the Washington sculpture required 300 hours of artistic labor.

The players

Utah State Capitol Preservation Board

This board is responsible for maintaining the state capitol building and approving artistic installations on the grounds.

Michael Hall

He is the artist who created the bronze Thomas Jefferson sculpture.

Dr. Steven Neal

He is the artist who sculpted the George Washington bronze.

Robert Hicken

He is the individual who handled the logistics of transporting and installing the sculptures in Salt Lake City.

The details

Artist Michael Hall created the Thomas Jefferson sculpture, while Dr. Steven Neal crafted the George Washington likeness. Robert Hicken transported the heavy bronze works via truck from their original home in Heber City for installation along the east walkway.

September 16, 2026: The sculptures were moved to the state capitol.
The sculptures will remain on display for 18 months.

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Industry Dynamics

This installation reflects a broader trend of public institutions utilizing fine art to anchor historical commemorations as the nation approaches major milestones. By moving works from private collections to state seats of power, the board expands public access to historical iconography.

Visitors to the Utah State Capitol can now view the bronze sculptures at the east entrance free of charge for the next 18 months. The installation provides a new opportunity for Salt Lake City residents to engage with monumental art on the capitol grounds.

The takeaway

The arrival of these statues marks a significant update to the artistic landscape of the state capitol grounds. Residents and tourists interested in historical art should plan to visit before the 18-month loan period expires in early 2028.