Statue of David, Sioux Falls
The Statue of David in Sioux Falls is a full-scale replica of Michelangelo’s famous masterpiece. Located in Fawick Park near 10th Street and Second Avenue, this striking sculpture was a gift from inventor and philanthropist Thomas Fawick, a Sioux Falls native who later made his fortune in Cleveland, Ohio. Fawick, known for inventing the first four-door touring automobile, the Fawick Flyer, and holding hundreds of patents across various industries, donated the statue in 1971 as part of his enduring connection to his hometown.
David's journey to Sioux Falls was far from straightforward. Commissioned by Fawick, the replica was crafted by renowned sculptor Felix de Weldon, taking three years to complete. Before that, two years were spent in negotiations with the Italian government to gain permission for the reproduction, making it a project that spanned five years. Upon arrival in October 1971, the statue was valued at $350,000, though today, it is considered priceless.
Since its unveiling, the statue has been both celebrated and debated, generating discussions on cultural, artistic, and religious grounds. Despite the initial controversy, David has become an iconic piece of Sioux Falls’ public art scene, offering a unique and enriching experience to residents and visitors alike. The statue stands on a pedestal in the open-air setting of Fawick Park, making it a popular spot for photographs, scenic walks, and moments of artistic appreciation along the city’s greenway and river walk.
While David is Fawick’s most famous contribution, he also donated a replica of Michelangelo’s Moses at Augustana University. These statues highlight the city’s dedication to public art and Fawick’s lasting impact. The David remains a defining landmark in Sioux Falls, admired for its artistry, history, and photo appeal.
David's journey to Sioux Falls was far from straightforward. Commissioned by Fawick, the replica was crafted by renowned sculptor Felix de Weldon, taking three years to complete. Before that, two years were spent in negotiations with the Italian government to gain permission for the reproduction, making it a project that spanned five years. Upon arrival in October 1971, the statue was valued at $350,000, though today, it is considered priceless.
Since its unveiling, the statue has been both celebrated and debated, generating discussions on cultural, artistic, and religious grounds. Despite the initial controversy, David has become an iconic piece of Sioux Falls’ public art scene, offering a unique and enriching experience to residents and visitors alike. The statue stands on a pedestal in the open-air setting of Fawick Park, making it a popular spot for photographs, scenic walks, and moments of artistic appreciation along the city’s greenway and river walk.
While David is Fawick’s most famous contribution, he also donated a replica of Michelangelo’s Moses at Augustana University. These statues highlight the city’s dedication to public art and Fawick’s lasting impact. The David remains a defining landmark in Sioux Falls, admired for its artistry, history, and photo appeal.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Sioux Falls. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Statue of David on Map
Sight Name: Statue of David
Sight Location: Sioux Falls, USA (See walking tours in Sioux Falls)
Sight Type: Statue/Public Art
Sight Location: Sioux Falls, USA (See walking tours in Sioux Falls)
Sight Type: Statue/Public Art
Walking Tours in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Create Your Own Walk in Sioux Falls
Creating your own self-guided walk in Sioux Falls is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Sioux Falls Introduction Walking Tour
Sioux Falls, the largest city in South Dakota, owes its name to the powerful Sioux people who once lived in the region and the cascading waterfalls of the Big Sioux River which have shaped both the landscape and the city’s development.
European exploration of the area began in the early 18th century. First settled in 1856, the land around the falls then had to be abandoned because of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
European exploration of the area began in the early 18th century. First settled in 1856, the land around the falls then had to be abandoned because of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles