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Seattle, Washington / Public art

Broken Obelisk

A striking Cor-Ten steel sculpture by abstract expressionist Barnett Newman, this inverted obelisk stands as a bold landmark near the University of Washington's Suzzallo Library.

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Broken Obelisk
Ed Uthman, Houston, Texas, USA, CC BY 3.0

What is the Broken Obelisk?

The Broken Obelisk is an outdoor sculpture by artist Barnett Newman, characterized as an inverted, four-sided tapering obelisk. It is made of Cor-Ten steel, stands over 25 feet tall, and weighs 6,000 pounds.

Where is it located?

At the University of Washington, the sculpture is located in Red Square near the main west entry to Suzzallo Library.

What is the history of the sculpture at the University of Washington?

Designed in 1963 and cast in 1967, the sculpture was donated to the university by Virginia Wright (via the Virginia Wright Foundation) in 1973. It returned to campus in June 2008 after undergoing repairs to make it identical to other iterations of the piece in New York and Houston.

Are there other versions of this artwork?

Yes, there are several iterations of the sculpture, including versions in New York and Houston. The version at the Rothko Chapel was installed before 1971 and is dedicated to the legacy of Rev. Dr. 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

Standing as a centerpiece of the University of Washington's Red Square, the Broken Obelisk is a massive outdoor sculpture created by the abstract expressionist Barnett Newman. Designed in 1963 and cast in 1967, this imposing work is crafted from Cor-Ten steel, a material designed to develop a stable, rust-like appearance over time. The sculpture is characterized as an inverted obelisk, a four-sided tapering form that challenges traditional architectural expectations. The piece was donated to the university in 1973 by the Virginia Wright Foundation. It represents a significant addition to the campus collection, providing a depth of artistic expression that the university notes would not be achievable through state funding alone. This specific installation is one of several iterations of Newman's vision, with other versions located in Houston and New York. Measuring over 25 feet tall and weighing approximately 6,000 pounds, the sculpture commands the space near the main west entry to Suzzallo Library. Its presence on campus has been maintained through careful upkeep, including a period of repairs in 2008 when it was removed for two months to ensure it remained identical to its sister iterations in other cities. As a contemporary of Mark Rothko, Newman brought a distinct modernist sensibility to the campus. The Broken Obelisk serves as a focal point for students and visitors, blending the academic atmosphere of the quadrangle with the raw, industrial power of 20th-century abstract art.

Visitor tips

  • View the sculpture from multiple angles to appreciate the inverted tapering effect of the Cor-Ten steel.
  • Visit during the golden hour for the best photography of the rust-colored steel against the library backdrop.
  • Allow a few extra minutes to walk toward the main west entry of Suzzallo Library to see the art in its full architectural context.

Nearby context

The Broken Obelisk is situated within the University of Washington's Red Square, positioned specifically near the main west entry to the iconic Suzzallo Library.

Sources

Evidence and links