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Austin, Texas / Public art

Barbara Jordan Statue

Honor the legacy of trailblazing leader Barbara Jordan at this landmark bronze statue on the UT Austin campus. Erected in 2009, it was the first campus monument dedicated to a female public figure.

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Barbara Jordan Statue
Bernard Gotfryd, Public domain

Where is the Barbara Jordan Statue located?

There are actually two statues of Barbara Jordan in Austin, Texas. One is located at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in the baggage claim area of the Barbara Jordan Terminal, and the other is on the University of Texas at Austin campus near West 24th Street.

What does the airport statue look like?

The airport statue is a life-sized bronze sculpture created by California artist Bruce Wolfe. It depicts Barbara Jordan seated thoughtfully with her fingertips pressed together, her glasses, and a book resting in her lap.

What is the significance of the Barbara Jordan Statue at the University of Texas?

The UT statue was installed in 2009 following a student-initiated effort. It represents the first female public figure to be honored with a statue on the university campus in its 126-year history.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Located on the University of Texas at Austin campus near West 24th Street, the Barbara Jordan Statue stands as a powerful tribute to one of Texas's most influential political figures. Erected in 2009, this bronze monument was created by California artist Bruce Wolfe. Its installation was the result of a student-initiated effort, making it the very first statue of a female public figure to be honored on the university campus in its 126-year history. Barbara Jordan was a pioneer of firsts: she was the first African-American state senator in Texas, as well as the first woman and first African-American representative elected to Congress from Texas. After her historic political career, she returned to academia, teaching at UT's LBJ School of Public Affairs from 1978 until her death in 1996 as the Lyndon B. Johnson Centennial Chair of Public Policy. She passed away in Austin on January 17, 1996, from pneumonia complicated by leukemia. Beside the statue, a historical marker erected by the University of Texas at Austin details her enduring legacy. In keeping with her lifelong tradition of breaking barriers, the marker highlights that Jordan was laid to rest on Republic Hill in the Texas State Cemetery, next to Stephen F. Austin. This made her the first African American to be interred in this cemetery, which is reserved for Texas's greatest heroes. This campus monument is actually the second statue of Jordan created by sculptor Bruce Wolfe. The first, a life-sized bronze depicting Jordan seated thoughtfully with her glasses and a book in her lap, was unveiled in November 2002 at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport's baggage claim area. That terminal was named in her honor in 1997, serving as a permanent symbol of her status as a historic icon.

Visitor tips

  • Find the statue on the University of Texas campus, situated just south of West 24th Street.
  • Read the accompanying historical marker erected by the University of Texas to learn about her groundbreaking achievements.
  • Look for her other memorial statue by artist Bruce Wolfe if you are passing through the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport baggage claim.

Nearby context

Located on the vibrant University of Texas at Austin campus, this statue sits in a hub of student life and cultural landmarks. Just a short walk away, you can grab a drink or catch live music at the historic Cactus Cafe, or admire "Monochrome for Austin," a striking public art installation nearby. Exploring this area allows you to experience both the academic legacy and the creative spirit that define UT Austin.

Sources

Evidence and links