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Austin, Texas / Public art

Martin Luther King Jr. Statue

Standing proudly on the University of Texas at Austin's East Mall, this impressive 12-foot bronze statue of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. honors the iconic civil rights leader and serves as a powerful symbol of student-led advocacy.

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Martin Luther King Jr. Statue
news.utexas.edu, og_image_news.utexas.edu

Where is the Martin Luther King Jr. Statue located?

The statue is located on the East Mall of the University of Texas at Austin campus in Austin, Texas.

What does the statue look like and who created it?

The statue is a 12-foot-tall outdoor bronze sculpture created by Jeffrey Varilla and Anna Koh-Varilla. It portrays Martin Luther King Jr. wearing doctoral robes, which is fitting for its academic setting.

When was the statue installed and how was it funded?

The statue was unveiled and dedicated on September 24, 1999. The effort began in 1987 with a student-formed foundation, and funding was aided by a 1995 student referendum that established a $1 per-student semester fee for four years.

What makes this monument unique?

It is recognized as one of only two full-size Martin Luther King Jr. statues located on university campuses in the world.

Does the statue host any special events?

Yes, the statue serves as the starting point for the annual Austin MLK Community March, which honors the life of Martin Luther King Jr.

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 East Mall of the University of Texas at Austin campus, the Martin Luther King Jr. Statue is a striking 12-foot-tall bronze monument. Unveiled and dedicated on September 24, 1999, this public artwork is notable for being one of only two full-size statues of the civil rights leader on a university campus in the entire world. The sculpture was designed by the Chicago-based husband-and-wife artistic team of Jeffrey Varilla and Anna Koh-Varilla. They chose to depict Dr. King wearing doctoral robes, a design choice specifically tailored to fit the academic setting of the university campus. The journey to erect the monument was a long, student-driven effort that began in the fall of 1987 when a group of students established the Martin Luther King Jr. Sculpture Foundation. While the campaign started in the late 1980s, a major breakthrough occurred in 1995 when a student referendum was passed. This referendum established a $1 per-student fee each semester for four years, raising up to $500,000 to fund the creation and installation of the statue. Today, the statue remains a vital focal point for the Austin community. It serves as the official starting point for the annual Austin MLK Community March, a major local event held in mid-January that honors Dr. King's legacy. The march begins at this campus landmark before proceeding toward the Texas State Capitol.

Visitor tips

  • Look closely at the bronze sculpture to see Dr. King depicted in academic doctoral robes, a detail chosen specifically for the university setting.
  • If visiting in mid-January, you can join the annual MLK Community March, which uses this statue as its official starting point.
  • Combine your visit with a walk around the East Mall of the UT Austin campus, where the statue is permanently located.

Nearby context

Situated on the vibrant campus of the University of Texas at Austin, the Martin Luther King Jr. Statue is surrounded by collegiate life and other notable public art installations. Just a short walk away, you can explore other campus artworks, such as the dynamic sculpture 'The Seven Mustangs' or the contemporary piece 'Monochrome for Austin,' making this area a rich destination for art lovers.

Sources

Evidence and links