The Spirit of Nebraska Wilderness sculpture series, located in downtown Omaha, Nebraska, depicts numerous animals that are native to the region and roamed free in the area before it was settled. Together with the Pioneer Courage sculpture series, the parks combine to form one of the largest bronze sculptures in the world. By capturing the heritage of the area, the Spirit of Nebraska Wilderness has been able to provide the surrounding community with an attraction that appeals to both residents and visitors to make a positive impact on the identity of the city and region.
Personifying the True Nature of Nebraska
Dedicated in 2002 and consisting of 67 bronze and stainless steel works by Kent Ullber, the Spirit of Nebraska Wilderness sculpture series has numerous bronze figures stationed on top of and alongside a central water feature. The base fountain contains 43,730 gallons of water cascading over the granite foundation that circulates 159,000 gallons each hour.
The sculpture series is designed to capture the spirit of the wilderness experienced by early settlers. Those settlers are depicted in the nearby Pioneer Courage sculpture series, which is directly linked to the Spirit of Wilderness. The park begins with a wagon train heading west, causing a herd of bison to stampede. The bison emerge onto Dodge Street, where they flush a flock of Canada geese.
All told, the Spirit of Nebraska Wilderness includes 3 bulls standing at 8′ and weighing nearly 1,400 pounds, several yearling bulls, and 2 cows with their calves, as well as a large water feature with 8′ Canada Geese in bronze taking flight. As the geese fly across the street they are attached to 18′ bronze trees, a traffic signal, the corner of a building, a light post, 2 other poles, and culminate with several stainless steel geese suspended within the glass atrium of the Bank’s headquarters.
This integration with the surroundings of the city is just part of what has allowed the sculpture series to become an integral part of Omaha that resonates for both residents and visitors.
Integrating into the Omaha Community
First National Bank was formed around the same time that Nebraska became a state and that history is reflected in the Spirit of Nebraska Wilderness. At the same time though, the sculpture series was designed to showcase optimism for the future, which is why the sculptor wanted to embody a spirit of progression.
In 2008, the National Sculpture Society presented the Henry Hering Memorial Medial to the creators of the Spirit of Nebraska Wilderness in recognition of outstanding collaboration between owner, sculptor and landscape architect. The award recognizes unique and outstanding joint efforts of owner, sculpture and landscape architect in creating distinguished sculpture in a total environment, further signifying the impact the sculpture series has had on the region that is reflected in the numerous guides and maps where it appears.
By naturally integrating into thru surroundings of the city and becoming a hub for activities and events, the Spirit of Nebraska Wilderness has been able to connect residents to the history of the city. Everyone is meant to interact with the Spirit of Nebraska Wilderness, further enabling the connection to the past and present of the city.
The Essence of Omaha
Recognized as one of the largest installations of bronze and stainless steel work of art in the United States and one of the two or three largest in the world, the Spirit of Nebraska Wilderness has been able to pull in audiences from across the state and region. Doing so in a way that connects visitors and the community with the history and identity of Nebraska has proven to have a monumentous impact on the economy and culture of the entire city.
