Lincoln Monument Gardens & Meadows
A Commemoration of our 16th President - Newly Restored!
The Standing Lincoln sculpture (aka – Lincoln: The Man) is considered the most important sculpture of Abraham Lincoln from the nineteenth century. The 12-foot bronze figure standing before his Chair of State was designed on commission by Irish sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens (1848-1907) who became one of the foremost sculptors of his time. The sculpture is mounted on a semicircular exedra designed by architect Stanford White.
Chicago lumber merchant Eli Bates (1806-1881) designated funds in his will to create the statue, which was to be located in Mr. Lincoln’s namesake Lincoln Park. The statue was dedicated on October 22, 1887. Present at the dedication were a trustee of the Eli Bates estate, Abraham Lincoln II, the president’s grandson, and a crowd of 10,000 people.
On July 4th, 2026, the Lincoln Park Conservancy and Chicago Park District unveiled the restoration of the sculpture and exedra. Last restored by the Conservancy in 1989, the statue was overdue for repairs. With the support of the community and generous donors, this historically and artistically significant sculpture shines again.
An Historic Area in Need
South Lincoln Park is Lincoln Park’s oldest and most historically significant section, yet it has not received comprehensive restoration in over 35 years.
In 1989, Lincoln Park Conservancy spearheaded the fundraising efforts for a restoration of Standing Lincoln. Now, decades later, the sculpture and its stone exedra require comprehensive conservation. From the bronze surface’s deterioration to decay of the supporting stone joints, Lincoln needs our help to keep Standing.
Additionally, the surrounding Formal Gardens and Meadows are in dire need of attention. The existing asphalt pathways have widespread cracking and ADA accessibility issues, the site is vulnerable to flooding, and the gardens do not follow current best practices.
With your support, we can give South Lincoln Park the help it deserves.
The Lincoln Park Conservancy, Gold Coast Neighbors Association, and Chicago Park District worked with the community to develop a framework plan for the restoration of South Lincoln Park. The project area, bound by LaSalle Street to the north, Inner Lake Shore Drive to the east, North Avenue to the south, and Clark Street to the west, includes the historic Lincoln Monument Gardens and Meadows.
This ambitious restoration project proposes improvements will make this section of Lincoln Park a cohesive, attractive, and sustainable place for adults, children, and families of all abilities to enjoy. We are currently in Phase II of this project. Details on the work we have already done and the work yet to come can be found below.
Our thanks to 43rd Ward Alderman Timmy Knudsen, 2nd Ward Alderman Brian Hopkins and State Senator Sara Feigenholtz for their support of this important project.
The South Lincoln Park Renewal Project
October 2024: Upland Design was contracted to provide concept designs for the hardscape renovations and potential future improvements.
October – November 2024: A survey was conducted to better understand community use of this area of the park and to collect additional ideas for future improvements. Over 700 responses were received.
November 13, 2024: A virtual town hall was held to introduce the community to the project and share results from the survey. You can watch the recording of the town hall and/or download the slide presentation at the links below:
Click here to view the Recording of the South Lincoln Park Project Community Meeting #1
January 15, 2025: A virtual town hall meeting was held to share the two concept plans created by Upland Design.
Click here to view the Recording of the South Lincoln Park Project Community Meeting #2
March 6, 2025 An in-person town hall was held at the Chicago History Museum to share the latest concept plan created by Upland Design.
Phase I has been generously supported by grants from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the Andrew R. and Janet F. Miller Foundation, the Dr. Scholl Foundation and the Old Town Triangle Association.
Project Phase II: 2026 and Beyond
Restoration of Standing Lincoln will begin in spring of 2026. This will include:
- Cleaning of the surface of the stone exedra and plaza.
- Removal of deteriorated wax and a new hot wax treatment for the bronze surface.
- Anti-graffiti coating.
- Replacement of light fixtures.
- Slab lifting where concrete has settled.
We plan to have the work on the monument completed in summer of 2026.
To stay up to date on the exciting work happening in Phase II of this project, subscribe to our newsletter (link below) and keep watching this page!
