Hyde Park in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Lorado Taft
Sculptor (1860-1936)
| — | Chicago Tribute | — |
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, October 17, 2026
1. Lorado Taft Marker
[Front side of marker:]
At the beginning of the twentieth century, when art was traditionally classical and staid, Lorado Taft made it romantic and personal. Taft is known for his large scale public works, many of which are in Chicago.
Taft enjoyed commissions that allowed him to interpret and express complex ideas. He believed that public monuments can reflect the ideas and ideals of their time.
Born in Illinois, Taft developed his neoclassical style at L'Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris. Upon his return to Chicago, he opened his first studio at this location, and began teaching at The Art Institute of Chicago, where he would remain for two decades. He taught at the University of Chicago and the University of Illinois as well. His rise to popularity began in 1893 when his sculpture was displayed at the World's Columbian Exposition. Ten years later, his influence on an entire generation of artists was sealed with the publication of his book The History of American Sculpture.
His greatest works include The Fountain of the Great Lakes (1913), installed at the Art Institute, and Fountain of Time (1922), which is located
this page online
[Rear side of marker:]
Chicago history rings with the names of men and women who have moved our city and nation forward-farmers, explorers, pioneers, traders, athletes, architects, workers, labor organizers, industrial giants, lawyers, teachers, inventors, writers, musicians and artists. Chicago Tribute Markers of Distinction commemorate notable individuals who have lived in Chicago by marking the significant places where they lived or worked.
Walking through the streets of Chicago, one can hear echoes of the past—in Lawndale, where Benny Goodman began playing clarinet before becoming the "King of Swing"; on the Near West Side, where immigrants were welcomed and assisted by the Women of Hull-House; in pioneering architecture that rose from the ashes of the Great Fire of 1871.
Chicago Tribute Markers articulate the connection between the city of today and the historic individuals and events that continue to shape our world.
Erected 1998 by City of Chicago.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Arts, Letters, Music. In addition,
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, October 17, 2026
2. Rear side of the Lorado Taft Marker
Location. 41° 47.151′ N, 87° 36.063′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in Hyde Park. It is on East 60th Street near South Ellis Avenue, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1005 East 60th Street, Chicago IL 60637, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on Chicago’s South Side. It is also in the American Midwest. Globally, it is in North America, on the Great Lakes, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Washington Park (approx. ¼ mile away); The Boulevard System (approx. ¼ mile away); Dr. Allison Davis (approx. 0.3 miles away); Fountain of Time (approx. 0.3 miles away); Charles E. Merriam Center for Public Administration
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, October 17, 2026
3. Lorado Taft Marker
More about this marker. The marker is one of 80 that are part of the Chicago Tribute series of markers posted around the city in the late 1990s and early 2000s. About 55 of those markers are believed to still be on display as of the autumn of 2026. The marker is mostly clear and readable, but does have rust and other signs of decay after almost 30 years.
Also see . . .
1. Lorado Taft's Midway Studios. From the city's Commission on Chicago Landmarks. (Submitted on October 18, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
2. Lorado Taft (1860-1936): Art. A bio by the University of Chicago, where he served as an art lecturer.
Excerpt: "While Taft held a regular teaching post at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, his appointment at the University of Chicago was to the vaguely defined (and nontenured) position of 'Professorial Lecturer(Submitted on October 18, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)on the History of Art.' Taft declared that he considered himself 'in some sort "Sculptor to the University of Chicago."'"Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, October 17, 20264. Inset photos on the Lorado Taft MarkerThe caption says: "Taft at work on Fountain of Time, November 1920 (at the left). Midway Studios interior (left) from 1936 adorned with Taft's work. The original Midway Studios was located at this site. Now it is located one block west at 6016 South Ingleside."
Credits. This page was last revised on October 18, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 18, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 7 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 18, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.
