Last week, we asked if you could identify this woman, and give us her location.
And now, the answers. The statue stands in a small park nestled between Intelsat and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China. From Van Ness Street, head south on International Drive. Here is the entrance, just across from the Singapore Embassy:
And here she is, in the middle of the park. Meet Melpomene, the Greek Muse of tragedy and song.
This plaque on the base of the statue explains her history.
REPLICA OF GREEK STATUE
PRESENTED TO
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
FROM THE CITIZENS OF GREECE
The Government of Greece, on behalf of the citizens of Greece,
presented to the citizens of the United States of America this
bronze replica of a Classic Greek statue in a ceremony on
September 17, 1965 at the United States Department of State.
The statue is believed to be a representation of Melpomene, the
Muse of tragedy and musical harmony, and dating from the 4th
Century, B.C. The original from which the replica was made
was unearthed in 1959 at Piraeus, the port of Athens.
The statue was relocated to this site on November 1991.
What other treasures are hiding in Forest Hills? Drop us a line at [email protected]. We’ll feature it in a future Puzzler.
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SlimJim says
I have a question about this statue. Does the Forest Hills Connection know the story behind why this statue was relocated to this area? Was the idea to provide a symbol of international harmony between the different embassies, as well as the State Department office building located in that area? Was there any ceremony? Thanks!
SlimJim says
Now I see there was a ceremony, as mentioned in the plaque, but any idea where to find some write up about it?