The Button
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The Button (officially, the Split Button) is a modern art sculpture that lies at the center of campus at the University of Pennsylvania. It was designed by Swedish sculptor Claes Oldenburg, who specializes in creating sculptures of large, everyday objects.
[edit] Controversy
When The Button was erected in front of the Van Pelt Library in 1981, it was met with much controversy. Some students found the structure intrusive, and a poor addition to Levy Park (or College Green, as it is most commonly referred to). Controversy surrounding the piece has significantly subsided in the years since 1981, but either way, it is now a central landmark and focal point of campus.
[edit] Legend
A legend exists, mainly circulated by students at the University of Pennsylvania, that attributes 'The Button' to the university's founder, Benjamin Franklin. A monument of Ben Franklin in a chair lies close to the sculpture; Legend has it that when this man of considerable girth sat down, his vest pocket button popped off and rolled across the University's "Locust Walk". It eventually came to a stop and split into two - hence becoming today's sculpture.
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