Siskel and Ebert to get life-size bronze tribute
A life‑size bronze sculpture of the iconic duo Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert will soon grace the public plaza of the One Two Pru complex near Millennium Park and The Magnificent Mile. The six‑foot‑five work, titled "Siskel & Ebert: Two Thumbs Up," is slated for installation in early 2028 on the west side of Lake Street.
Designed by Preston Jackson, professor emeritus of sculpture at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, the piece captures the critics perched behind their familiar theater seats, thumbs poised in the signature up‑and‑down gestures that defined their television debates. Visitors will be invited to sit beside the figures, creating a selfie‑friendly, interactive experience.
The tribute arrives as a community effort, with corporate backing from Wanxiang America Real Estate Group and a fundraising drive led by the nonprofit Chicago Gateway Green. A Hollywood memorabilia auction, featuring items such as a signed script from "Caddyshack" and a crew jacket from "Ghostbusters II," will help cover costs.
Beyond honoring two of Chicago’s most beloved cultural voices, the sculpture adds to the city’s rich tradition of public art that celebrates local icons—from Jean Baptiste Point du Sable to Ernie Banks. Jackson’s previous works, including statues of Richard Pryor and Gwendolyn Brooks, demonstrate his knack for turning familiar faces into lasting landmarks, and this latest commission promises to become a new gathering point for film lovers and tourists alike.