The Button

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The Button (officially, Split Button) is a modern art sculpture that lies at the center of campus at the University of Pennsylvania. It was designed by Swedish sculptor Claes Oldenburg, who specializes in creating sculptures of large, everyday objects. (See a photo.)

[edit] Specifications

Total cost: $100,000 including transportation and installation ($37,500 from University, $37,500 from the NEA, and $25,000 in contributions raised by Mrs. H. Gates Lloyd, chair of the Visual Environment Committee that chose the piece.)

Weight: 5000 lbs. (approx. 2268 kgs)

Materials: Reinforced aluminum

Size: 16 ft. diameter (approx. 4.88m)

[edit] Controversy

When The Button was erected in front of the Van Pelt Library on June 18, 1981, it was met with much controversy. Some students found the structure intrusive, and a poor addition to Blanche Levy Park (or College Green, to which it is most commonly referred). Controversy surrounding the piece has significantly subsided in the years since 1981, but either way, it is now a central landmark and focal point of campus.

[edit] Legend

A legend exists, mainly circulated by students at the University of Pennsylvania, that attributes 'The Button' to the university's founder, Benjamin Franklin. A monument of Ben Franklin in a chair lies close to the sculpture; Legend has it that when this man of considerable girth sat down, his vest pocket button popped off and rolled across the University's Locust Walk. It eventually came to a stop and split into two - hence becoming today's sculpture.

Oldenburg, however, presents an alternative view. He once said "The Split represents the Schuylkill. It divides the button into four parts--for William Penns original Philadelphia squares." Philadelphia Inquirer, 6/9/81

For an article in the Daily Pennsylvanian about the Button following its arrival, see: http://www.library.upenn.edu/exhibits/pennhistory/art/button/button.dp.html