Venus de Milo

The fancy looking statue outside of the Arts and Sciences building actually isn’t that fancy. The recreation of the famous Venus de Milo statue appears marble as the original c. 100 BC statue with the addition of arms. It was donated to the university in 2003 by a UNO alum that was moving and had no interest in shipping the seven foot tall woman. With an appearance similar to the hand carved ancient statue, UNO’s Venus is cast zinc. Under that white, elegant exterior is a metal yard decoration. I’m not supporting the action, but if you tap the statue, you can hear just how metal and hollow it is. It was created in New York City by the J. W. Fiske Company in 1880. The Fiske Company created all sorts of molds to create cast zinc and iron statues, benches, and other decorations. When they first created the Venus de Milo mold, this statue sold in catalogues for $225 in 1890. UNO’s Venus de Milo may not be quite as impressive as it appears, although, the college does take great care of it. Don’t be surprised when, at the first hint of winter, the statue is wrapped up in big trash bag. They have to make sure that white paint doesn’t start to chip.