The Bowman and The Spearman: Chicago’s Bronze Guardians of Grant Park

The Bowman & The Spearman

If you’ve ever walked down Michigan Avenue toward Grant Park, you’ve probably seen them — two massive bronze warriors on horseback, standing proudly at the park’s edge. Meet The Bowman and The Spearman, Chicago’s silent gatekeepers since 1928.

These sculptures are more than just photo ops. They tell a story about art, imagination, and the city’s love of bold public works.

The statues were created by Croatian sculptor Ivan Meštrović, one of Europe’s most celebrated artists in the early 20th century. His works can be found around the world — but these two bronzes, cast in Zagreb and shipped to Chicago, became local icons when they were unveiled in 1928. They were commissioned through the B.F. Ferguson Fund, which supported lasting public art for the city’s parks and boulevards. Standing at the entrance to Grant Park near Ida B. Wells Drive and Michigan Avenue, the figures were meant to symbolize strength and guardianship — watching over the city and its green space by the lake.

Take a closer look and you’ll notice something strange: neither statue has a bow or a spear.

That wasn’t an accident. Meštrović designed them this way on purpose. He believed that leaving out the weapons would draw attention to the human form and emotion rather than violence. Instead of focusing on battle, he wanted the figures to embody movement, tension, and grace. It also gives the viewer a role — you imagine the missing bowstring pulled taut, or the spear mid-flight. It’s a subtle but powerful artistic choice that makes these sculptures timeless.

Each statue depicts a Native American warrior, captured in a moment of stillness before action. Their horses are muscular and alert, their riders lean forward, scanning the horizon.

For decades, these statues have sparked conversation — admired for their beauty but also re-examined for how they represent Native imagery through a 1920s lens. Today, they stand not only as stunning examples of bronze sculpture, but as reminders of how art reflects both its era and evolving perspectives.

The Bowman and The Spearman make for one of the most dramatic photo spots in downtown Chicago. Here’s how to make the most of your visit:

• Best time to go: Early morning or golden hour for that warm bronze glow.

• Photo tip: Stand on the median or the Grant Park side to capture both statues framing the skyline.

• Hidden detail: Check out the empty hands — it’s what makes these sculptures unforgettable once you know the story.

Next time you stroll Michigan Avenue, stop for a moment under these towering bronze riders. They’re not just monuments — they’re part of the rhythm of the city, watching over generations of Chicagoans as Grant Park continues to evolve around them.

The Bowman & The Spearman

520 S. Michigan Avenue

Chicago, IL 60605

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