University of Utah Unveils Iconic 'LOVE' Sculpture on Campus

Robert Indiana's renowned pop art sculpture finds new home at state's flagship university

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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The University of Utah celebrated the installation of Robert Indiana's iconic 'LOVE' sculpture on the south lawn of the Utah Museum of Fine Arts. The massive 12-by-12-by-6-foot work of pop art, previously located in New York City for over two decades, was acquired through a joint effort by the state and various university donors.

Why it matters

The 'LOVE' sculpture is one of the world's most recognizable works of pop art, and university officials hope it will serve as a symbol of unity, friendship, and optimism on a campus that has grappled with division in recent years. The acquisition reflects the university's commitment to inspiring both intellectual and emotional growth in its students.

The details

The $4.5 million sculpture was installed earlier this week and has already become a popular spot for photos and selfies. University of Utah President Taylor Randall praised the sculpture as a reminder that 'love should be the great motivator' and that the institution's role is to 'create positive change' in society.

  • The 'LOVE' sculpture was installed on the University of Utah campus earlier this week.
  • The official unveiling and celebration took place on Saturday, February 7, 2026.

The players

University of Utah

The state's flagship university, which acquired the 'LOVE' sculpture for its campus.

Robert Indiana

The American pop artist who created the iconic 'LOVE' sculpture in the 1960s.

Taylor Randall

The president of the University of Utah, who spoke at the unveiling event.

Gretchen Dietrich

The executive director of the Utah Museum of Fine Arts, which will oversee the long-term care and preservation of the 'LOVE' sculpture.

The Coburn Family Trust, The John and Marcia Price Foundation, O.C. Tanner Company, The George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation, Zions Bank, and The Larry H. and Gail Miller Family Foundation

The various donors who helped the University of Utah acquire the 'LOVE' sculpture.

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What they’re saying

“This is indeed an incredible day.”

— Taylor Randall, University of Utah President (Deseret News)

“And it's the role of this institution to create positive change. And so to have a statue that screams love in the midst of often chaos, competition and argument, it puts our priority — both as a society and as an institution — in perspective.”

— Taylor Randall, University of Utah President (Deseret News)

“And now to have it on campus is just going to be a treasure.”

— Lisa Eccles, President and COO of the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation (Deseret News)

What’s next

The university plans to hold a dedication ceremony for the 'LOVE' sculpture in the coming weeks, inviting the campus community and the public to celebrate the new addition to the University of Utah's art collection.

The takeaway

The University of Utah's acquisition of the iconic 'LOVE' sculpture reflects the institution's commitment to fostering a campus environment that celebrates unity, community, and the power of positive emotions to inspire change. This bold work of pop art will serve as a visual reminder to students and visitors alike that love should be the driving force behind their pursuits and interactions.