The Heavens
Can I see it?
Yes, on view now
Where is “The Heavens” now? Smithsonian American Art Museum, Luce Foundation Center, 3rd Floor, 19B, Washington, D.C. Yes, on view now. Checked September 25, 2026.
Washington, D.C., United States
RoomLuce Foundation Center, 3rd Floor, 19B
Open now· until 7:00 PM
On public display.
- Checked
- In this state since
- Source
- The museum
About the sculpture
The Heavens, along with three other works representing earth, water, and man, was commissioned for the National Geographic Society in New York. Solon Borglum and three other sculptors were involved, including his brother Gutzon. World War I interrupted the project and it was never completed, but Borglum made this smaller bronze version as well as a larger plaster version, which has since disappeared. Representing the heavens, a male figure emerges from the planets and clouds, looking back to acknowledge his creation. The man has mortal beauty but embodies God’s transcendent powers.
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Details
- Accession number
- 1968.127
What it shows
In the catalog
Sources
- Smithsonian American Art Museum
- Image: Smithsonian American Art Museum — CC0
