Freeman Pioneer Memorial (The Bufano Bench)
Photo by so an so
Known as the earliest public artwork in the City of Tucson, architect Bernard Maybech and artist Benjamin Bufano created the Freeman Pioneer Memorial following the posthumous donation of philanthropist Merrill Pingee Freeman. The granite and stone sculpture reflects the donor's interest in Southwestern history and the civic enthusiasm of the people in a city on the brink of its growth. Bufano created bas-reliefs of two large reclining figures on the stone seat back representing morning and night, as well as the figures of two children holding an offering basin bearing the bounty of the desert. Due to its age, the artwork has been continuously restored to maintain its historical accuracy and integrity.
Dimensions: 8'2" h x 22'w x 16' depth
Address: Tucson Children's Museum (200 S. 6th Ave.)
