Gene Siskel, Roger Ebert to be honored with statue at Prudential Plaza
A life-size bronze sculpture celebrating Chicago’s legendary film critics is set to join the cityscape at Prudential Plaza. The 6‑foot‑5 piece, titled Siskel & Ebert: Two Thumbs Up, captures the duo in their iconic theater seats, inviting passersby to sit beside them.
The work is being executed by acclaimed Illinois sculptor Preston Jackson, professor emeritus at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, whose portfolio includes monuments to Richard Pryor, Martin Luther King Jr., and Jean Baptiste Point du Sable. His involvement adds a layer of cultural gravitas to the project.
The commission, driven by producer Pam Kasper, also dovetails with a forthcoming documentary on the critics. Both families have approved the design, and the statue is slated for installation in early 2028, promising a new landmark that honors the critics’ lasting influence on American film culture.