The Loyola University Museum of Art (LUMA) has opened "Freedom in Form: Richard Hunt," an exhibition showcasing the work of the late Chicago sculptor who created over 160 public monuments across the U.S. The show, which runs through Nov. 15, 2025, features sculptures, maquettes, tools, and selections from Hunt's personal library, offering an intimate view of his career. It premiered in 2024 at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library in Springfield, where it was organized after First Lady of Illinois M.K. Pritzker recommended Hunt. The exhibition includes early works like "Hero's Head" (1956), inspired by Emmett Till, and later pieces such as "Hero Ascending," planned for installation at the Emmett Till/Mamie Till-Mobley historic landmark home.
This exhibition matters because Richard Hunt is the most prolific creator of public sculptures and monuments in U.S. history, with works in the Smithsonian, Midway Airport, the Loop, Ravinia, and the future Obama Presidential Center. By presenting his personal tools, library, and studio context, the show deepens public understanding of an artist who transformed urban spaces nationwide and used metal to explore themes of freedom, justice, and history. It also highlights the role of the Richard Hunt Trust in preserving his legacy and studio, which served as a creative hub for Chicago artists for over five decades.