--- title: "Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert bronze statue set for Chicago installation" url: https://newscentral.site/gene-siskel-and-roger-ebert-bronze-statue-set-for-chicago-installation/ language: en publisher: "News Central Site" section: "Entertainment" published: 2026-10-23T17:06:41.000Z updated: 2026-10-23T20:24:58.433Z id: d1939668-7945-441a-b9c9-8083e9fdfe09 source: "ABC News Entertainment https://abcnews.com/Entertainment/wireStory/chicago-life-size-siskel-ebert-sculpture-giving-thumbs-137515893" attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/gene-siskel-and-roger-ebert-bronze-statue-set-for-chicago-installation/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert bronze statue set for Chicago installation A life-size bronze sculpture of renowned film critics Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert will be installed in Chicago as a tribute to their enduring legacy. A life-size bronze sculpture of renowned film critics Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert is set to be installed in Chicago, a tribute to their enduring legacy in the city where they spent most of their careers. Local producer Pam Kasper, who has been working on a documentary about the two critics for the past two years with director Michael Bonfiglio, was instrumental in bringing this project to life. Her inspiration came from seeing a statue of Ebert outside the Virginia Theatre in Champaign, which sparked an idea to create a lasting tribute to these influential figures. Kasper noted that while Chicago has numerous tributes to notable individuals, including athletes and politicians, there was a lack of recognition for Siskel and Ebert. Despite their national fame and 25-year presence on television, they remained closely tied to the city throughout their careers. Both Siskel and Ebert had distinguished careers as film critics in Chicago, with Siskel serving as the primary critic for the Chicago Tribune for 30 years until his death in 1999, and Ebert working for the Chicago Sun-Times for an impressive 46 years until his passing in 2013. A life-size sculpture of Siskel and Ebert is set to become a Chicago landmark, honoring the legacy of the iconic film critics who spent their careers in the city. The project's designer, Kasper, aims to keep the duo grounded in their roots by having them remain connected to their newspaper jobs. This approach reflects the values that Kasper believes Siskel and Ebert embodied throughout their careers. To raise funds for the sculpture, Kasper is partnering with Chicago Gateway Green to secure corporate sponsorships and public donations. The project's goal is to reach $230,000 by 2028, when the sculpture is expected to be completed. A Hollywood memorabilia auction will also contribute to the fundraising efforts, featuring items donated by movie studios and celebrities. These include an apron signed by "The Bear cast and gifted by its creator, Christopher Storer, as well as a Toy Story Jessie doll signed by Evanston native John Cusack. The Chicago community is coming together to build a life-size sculpture of iconic film critics Siskel and Ebert, who were beloved figures in the city. Kasper, a key figure behind the project, emphasized the importance of public involvement in creating this tribute to the influential duo. The sculpture will stand at 6-foot-5 tall, making it an eye-catching addition to Prudential Plaza. Located at 130 E. Randolph St., the plaza was chosen for its high visibility and proximity to where Siskel and Ebert once worked. Ownership of the plaza immediately welcomed the idea of hosting this public art piece, according to Kasper. The talented artist behind the sculpture is Preston Jackson, a renowned Illinois sculptor, painter, and professor emeritus at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. His selection was crucial in ensuring that the project would meet the community's expectations. Jackson's work will bring Siskel and Ebert to life as they stand side by side, each holding up a thumbs-up gesture, a nod to their signature movie-rating system. This iconic pose is sure to evoke memories of the duo's spirited discussions about films. The life-size sculpture honoring the late film critics Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel will feature a unique interactive element - two metal theater seats for visitors to sit in and pay tribute. These seats will allow people to engage with the art piece on a more personal level, providing an opportunity for fans to emulate the iconic duo's signature Two Thumbs Up" rating system that they popularized. The installation is designed to evoke memories of the spirited discussions Ebert and Siskel had about films, their debates being a hallmark of their long-running television program. Kasper, the artist behind the project, aims to educate people about the significant influence these two critics had on film culture, including the development of online review platforms like Letterboxd and Rotten Tomatoes. The sculpture's design has been met with enthusiasm from both the public and the Siskel and Ebert families, who have expressed gratitude for the tribute. The sculpture's presence is expected to become a popular tourist attraction in the city, with Kasper envisioning it as a fun experience for visitors and locals alike. She envisions people taking photos with the artwork, which will be situated at Pru Plaza near Millennium Park. The installation of the Siskel and Ebert sculpture marks another addition to Chicago's vibrant public art scene, complementing other notable landmarks in the area. --- Source: [ABC News Entertainment](https://abcnews.com/Entertainment/wireStory/chicago-life-size-siskel-ebert-sculpture-giving-thumbs-137515893) Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/gene-siskel-and-roger-ebert-bronze-statue-set-for-chicago-installation/