Brown Arts

Richard Fleischner | War Memorial

Richard Fleischner War Memorial
Photo by Jo-Ann Conklin

Richard Fleischner

War Memorial, 1997

  • Granite, marble, bronze, and planting
  • Installed on the Ruth J. Simmons Quadrangle, near Soldier's Arch
side view of Richard Fleischner War Memorial
Photo by Jo-Ann Conklin

Sited on the Ruth J. Simmons Quadrangle near Soldier’s Arch, the War Memorial honors Brown alumni who died during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Designed by sculptor and environmental artist Richard Fleischner, the memorial consists of several marble and bronze elements and plantings that fan out across the east end of the quad as you enter thru Soldier’s Arch. The most prominent component is the bronze lattice with perpendicular marble slab containing the names of alums who perished in the wars. A long granite bench fronts this piece and is echoed by a smaller bench across the walkways. A granite pillar on one side of the walk, is balanced by a short rectangle of granite on the other. Together, the elements of the memorial create a space of contemplation and commemoration. As the counterpoint to the movement of the pathways, it offers a site for pause and reflection.