Behold the Statue of David: Get your Sculpture Fix

 


Only 30 full-size replicas of Michelangelo’s Statue of David exist in the world with perhaps 10 being in North America.  Outside of Sioux Falls, there are no full-scale Davids to be found in the Midwest.  The Sioux Falls David is a bronze casting, which makes him among the highest quality of existing replicas. 

David is located at Fawick Park, or as I like to call it “Phallic Park,” on the southeastern edge of downtown Sioux Falls.  He overlooks the greenway, bike trail, and Big Sioux River.  The statue of David is best seen in the warmer months; during the winter, you really just want to cover him up with a 15-foot-tall fur coat.  The poor guy looks pretty chilly when there’s snow on the ground and it’s -10 in Sioux Falls.  Prime selfie ops abound on all sides of the David, and there’s ample seating in the park for taking it all in. 

If you find yourself wanting more after whetting your appetite with the magnificent David, you can walk a few blocks to the west and discover streets brimming with a wonderful assortment of sculpture.  The SculptureWalk Sioux Falls is a year-round outdoor exhibit featuring works by artists from across the USA.  According to the website, it’s the “largest annual exhibit of public sculptures in the world.” 

You may also want to wet your whistle at the bar named in David's honor, Club David, located between Main and Dakota Avenues on W. 10th Street.  Club David has a lovely rooftop patio.  It’s open from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. and features DJ and live music.   

Finally, if you still haven’t quenched your thirst for top-notch sculpture, visit the “capstone” of the ScuptureWalk, Sioux Falls’ newest and most ambitious installation, the Arc of Dreams, which spans the Big Sioux River between 6th and 8th Streets.  The sculptor, Dale Claude Lamphere, also created the impressive Dignity statue that dominates the landscape along Interstate 90 near Chamberlain, South Dakota.  

Metered parking (free on Saturday and Sunday) for Fawick Park is found along 3rd Street and  2nd Avenue.  The closest ramp parking  is the 200 - 238 S. Mall Garage off of E. 11th Street.   

Arc of Dreams






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