Springfield, IL  (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – A giant crane was at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Musuem on Thursday morning to assist with the installation of a 22-foot tall, 2000 lb., stainless steel sculpture by world famous Illinois artist, Richard Hunt in the front plaza.

The piece entitled “Steel Garden” pays tribute to the Black steelworkers who, museum director, Christian Shutt called, the men who built Chicago.

The work precedes an indoor exhibit of the late Mr. Hunts work which will open in October and will remain until March 2025 when the outdoor sculpture moves to London.

Director of Exhibits, Lance Tozer, says Mr. Hunt is regarded as “the foremost African American abstract sculptor and artist of public sculpture.” He says the sculpture will be illuminated at night.