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Iconic Chicago 'Diana' statue removed for restoration

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Published  December 17, 2024 9:43pm CST
Chicago
FOX 32 Chicago

Iconic Chicago Diana statue removed for restoration

The Statue of Progress—commonly referred to as Diana, the Roman Goddess of the Hunt—was carefully removed from her perch in Chicago for a long-overdue restoration.

The Brief

    • The Statue of Progress, known as Diana, was removed from the Montgomery Ward Administration Building for restoration.
    • Engineers discovered significant erosion and structural damage, including a large hole in Diana's leg.
    • The restoration, expected to take 5-6 months, will cost high six figures, funded by the building's residents.

CHICAGO - For nearly a century, the Statue of Progress—commonly referred to as Diana, the Roman Goddess of the Hunt—has graced the top of Chicago’s Montgomery Ward Administration Building.

Last weekend, however, Diana was carefully removed from her perch for a long-overdue restoration.

Engineers conducting an inspection as part of the building's ongoing facelift discovered significant erosion and structural damage, including a large hole in Diana’s leg. To preserve the iconic sculpture, experts determined that removing and restoring her was necessary.

On Saturday, crews deployed a 15-story crane to gently lift Diana from her cement pedestal. The statue was then lowered to the ground and transported to the Conservation of Sculpture and Objects Studio in Forest Park. This studio is renowned for its work, including the restoration of the Art Institute of Chicago’s famous lion statues.

The restoration process is expected to take five to six months, with costs estimated in the high six figures. Residents of the Montgomery Ward Administration Building, which now serves as residential space, are funding the project.

Once the work is complete, a special ceremony will be held to celebrate Diana’s return to her rightful place atop the building, where she has symbolized progress and resilience for generations.

ChicagoNews