Adolph Alexander Weinman

Adolph Alexander Weinman, a renowned American sculptor, left an indelible mark on architectural history with his creations. Among his many contributions, the Penn Station Eagles are enduring symbols of grandeur and resilience. Sculpted initially in the early 20th century, these majestic eagles once adorned the original New York Penn Station, standing as silent guardians over one of the nation's busiest transit hubs. When the station was demolished in the 1960s, many of the eagles were saved and moved to various places across the country. Today, these sculptures are reminders of the station's architectural nature and the city's ever-evolving landscape.

As part of the revitalization of PENN 2—a modern skyscraper that now occupies part of the original Penn Station site—Vornado Realty sought to pay tribute to this storied past. A vision was set: to bring one of the original stone eagles to the new rooftop park, an exclusive 17,000-square-foot green space designed as a retreat above the bustling city. However, at 7,500 pounds, the sheer weight of the original sculpture posed a challenge. Seeking a solution that preserved the integrity and presence of the original work while making it feasible for rooftop installation, the team turned to our expert artisans for guidance.

The lost wax moulding process precisely captured every detail of the original stone eagle to ensure the sculpture's authenticity remained intact. Cast at a 1-to-1 scale in aluminum, the new sculpture maintained the depth, texture, and craftsmanship of Weinman's original vision while reducing its weight to approximately 500 pounds. Measuring 5 feet 1 inch in height, 6 feet 2 inches in width, and 4 feet 6 inches in depth, the sculpture was finished with an alumablack patina, which subtly enhances its contours by darkening the low areas while allowing the aluminum to shine through in the highlights.

To complete the vision, an installation template and expert guidance were provided to ensure a seamless placement on the rooftop. Meanwhile, the original stone eagle is set to be installed at street level, ensuring that its historical presence remains accessible to the public. This collaboration also extends beyond the rooftop—ongoing preservation efforts are now underway to assess and safeguard another of the remaining Penn Station eagles, ensuring that these iconic sculptures continue to inspire for generations to come.