Several donated or commissioned sculptures enhance the MBL’s Woods Hole campus. Each piece reflects a different aspect of the MBL’s scientific spirit.
Click thumbnails to view larger images. Click here to view sculpture locations.
Beacon for Science
Installed in 2008, this glass sculpture by Toshio Iezumi is in the lobby of Rowe Laboratory.
Cete
Created by Vermont sculptor Lawrence J. Nowlan, this bronze sculpture depicts marine organisms studied at the MBL such as squid, jellyfish, and sea urchins. “Cete,” commissioned by senior scientist Lionel Jaffe (1927-2011), was installed in 2011 and can be viewed in the MBL Quadrangle.
Cubes and Reflections
This abstract structure is near the front steps of the Lillie Building. Created by David Bakalar in 1999, it is made of stainless steel and bronze.
Flukes
“Flukes” is in Waterfront Park on Water Street. This cast bronze sculpture, created and donated by artist Gordon Gund, is a representation of a whale’s tale that was inspired by the artist’s encounter with pilot whales on Nantucket Sound. According to Gund, “it is meant to be enjoyed visually and by touch…a symbol of joyful anticipation.”
Helical Man
Located between Candle House and the Marine Resources building, this piece by David Bakalar depicts the outline of a man encased within a helical structure. It creates a visual link between physical form and the structure of DNA, reflecting MBL research.
Life Force U
Created by sculptor and physicist David Bakalar, this piece is next to the front steps of the Lillie Building. It consists of a black granite sphere and a stainless steel wedge with a bar code on the top.
Rachel Carson Statue
This likeness of biologist and writer Rachel Carson (1907-1964), located in the MBL’s Waterfront Park, commemorates Carson’s Woods Hole connections. Cast by sculptor David Lewis, this piece was installed in July 2013. Carson, author of the iconic environmental book “Silent Spring,” studied at the MBL and worked at the Bureau of Fisheries.
Relaxing Nobel Prize Winner
This sculpture, donated by artist David Bakalar, is part of his “Personal Quantum Sculpture Series.” It depicts a person whose face and arms have been replaced by mirrors, allowing viewers to step up and visualize themselves as a Nobel Prize winner.
The Scientists
This quiet scene of discussion between three scientists portrays the essence of life at the MBL. It shows the spirit of collaboration and peer exchange. The sculpture, made by Elaine Pear Cohen, is outside of the Marine Resources building on the Water Street side, next to Candle House.
Locations of the MBL’s campus sculptures:
